Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand 2025 in Belgium

The Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand Festival, held annually in Geraardsbergen, Belgium, is a vibrant celebration of the transition from winter to spring. Recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this double festival combines centuries-old traditions with a lively community spirit. Taking place on the penultimate Sunday before the first Monday in March, the festival is both a historical procession and a symbolic fire ritual.

Activities and Key Highlights

The day begins with a historical parade, starting at the Romanesque Church of Hunnegem. Participants dressed in period costumes represent nearly 25 centuries of Geraardsbergen’s history. Carrying symbolic items such as bread, wine, fish, and fire, they march through the city towards Oudenberg Hill. The procession includes around 1,000 locals, many of whom participate as volunteers.

At the summit of the hill, the Holy Mary Chapel becomes the center of attention. Here, the dean blesses 10,000 krakelingen, special ring-shaped breads baked exclusively for the event. These breads are then thrown into the crowd, a tradition eagerly awaited by attendees. One krakeling contains a special token, granting the finder a golden krakeling, a uniquely designed piece of jewelry created for the occasion.

In the evening, the festivities shift to the Tonnekensbrand, a fire ritual marking the arrival of spring. A wooden barrel is set ablaze atop the Oudenberg, and participants carry torches back down the hill, symbolically bringing light to the city. This fiery conclusion is accompanied by music, dancing, and other celebratory activities.

Schedule and Program

The festival’s main events are scheduled throughout the day. The historical procession starts at 3 pm from the Church of Hunnegem and concludes at the Holy Mary Chapel. The Tonnekensbrand ritual begins at 8 pm on Oudenberg Hill. Spectators are invited to carry torches down to the city center. While the festival primarily occurs on Sunday, the city’s annual market takes place the following Monday.

Admission and Location

Admission to the festival and its events is generally free. Geraardsbergen is situated about an hour’s drive west of Brussels, in the Flemish Ardennes. The Oudenberg Hill, a key location for the festival, offers scenic views and opportunities for hiking. Visitors can also explore the charming streets of Geraardsbergen, known for its local cuisine, including the famous “mattentaart,” a regional pastry. Public transportation is available, with Geraardsbergen’s train station located approximately 15 minutes from the festival site.

Historical Context

The roots of Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand trace back to at least the 14th century, with records from 1393 mentioning expenses for the Tonnekensbrand fire ritual. The tradition combines Christian and pre-Christian elements, such as the symbolic use of bread, fire, and live fish. A particularly controversial custom involves drinking wine with live fish from a 16th-century goblet, reflecting a blend of reverence and revelry.

Legend has it that during a siege in 1381, the people of Geraardsbergen tossed their last reserves of bread and fish over the city walls to feign abundance, ultimately discouraging their enemies. Although the historical accuracy of this tale is debated, it remains a cornerstone of the festival's narrative.