The Festival of Cats takes place in Ypres, Belgium on the second Sunday of May every three years. The meaning behind this fun festival is however, a little sinister.
During Ypres winter months, cats were allowed to roam the town freely, catching mice and ensuring the little creatures didn’t get at the town’s main product – lace. By summer however, the cats became a nuisance and so it was said that they were rounded up and thrown from the top of the Belfry. This cruel act continued for hundreds of years into the 1800s.
After the Second World War, Ypres Burgomeister (master of the town) came up with a brilliant idea to reinvigorate the town and to get locals enjoying themselves again.
The festival continues to be a really big day in the town’s calendar. The parade is full of incredible floats, there are numerous entertainment acts, people in fancy dress, and of course, cuddly cat toys everywhere. The day always ends with the ceremony of throwing toy cats from the balcony of the Cloth Hall.
To get a real feel of the day, check out some YouTube videos and see just how big this day is!
Kattenstoet | Cat Parade Ypres 2018 | Best moments, dance acts and big cats - YouTube
We believe the 2021 scheduled festival has been moved 2022.
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