Part of our Soul

LOCAL HERITAGE, LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS ARE THE STUFF OF WHICH OUR LOCAL FOLKLORE IS WOVEN, GIVING RISE TO A HUGE VARIETY OF EVENTS OF ALL KINDS, AND BINDING WHOLE COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

Whether it is linked to a particular street, a neighbourhood, a village or even a whole region, it has often come down to us through the centuries. It represents the spirit and memory of the place, inspiring in local residents a real enthusiasm that they delight in reviving and sharing year after year. The tradition of celebrating Carnival is stoutly maintained in the region, as witnessed in Hotton, Wellin, Nassogne and, of course, Marche-enFamenne and its Grosse Biesse Carnival. And there is no shortage of other events paying tribute to our local folklore, such as the Skassis de Lessive stilt-walkers, the historic processions, the confréries or brotherhoods, and the Grands Feux bonfires. These last are a village tradition in which, as spring approaches, the effigy of « old man winter » is burned on a huge bonfire. Each town or village has its own tradition, which it proudly upholds through these many events. Legends, traditions and folklore are often closely bound up with particular localities to which humankind, being unable to provide a scientific explanation, has been quick to ascribe a mystical dimension. As such, they are rooted deep in our soil, our nature, our buildings... they are the soul and the intangible heritage of our Geopark.