Belgian fairground culture recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage

The roots of the fair as we know it today are in the Middle Ages. People gathered annually to commemorate the day their church was consecrated with a special high mass, graced with song and music, and processions. Celebrations were held around the church outdoors, with music, food and drinks. As it happens, the name of that celebration in the original Dutch language term (kermis) was derived from 'kerk' (church) and 'mis' (mass). Many towns had several parishes, each of which usually held its own fair. Some of them lasted for weeks at a time. Gradually, the events expanded to include dancing, games, all manner of commerce and entertainment of not infrequently questionable quality. Quacks and other tricksters were doing golden business. Alcohol abuse, lewd behaviour and brawls were the order of the day. Later, the public could marvel at freak shows, circus acts with acrobats and animals, and even film screenings. The traditional attractions that we associate with the carnival, such as the caterpillar rail, the Ferris wheel and the bumper cars, only appeared after World War II, and the booster or free-falling date from even more recently.

But fairs have always guaranteed entertainment, social gathering and social cohesion. With its recognition, UNESCO is honouring the 850 fairground families in Belgium and safeguarding the tradition of fairground life for future generations.