Cat festival held in Belgium

31.12.2008
Those hopping on a ferry for a Channel crossing next year may want to visit Belgium to attend a traditional festival.

Held in Ieper on May 10th, the Cats Parade is based on a middle age custom which involved sacrificing live felines to punish them for disturbing the peace or to ward of f evil.

The city council reveals that in the original event, which was held on the last day of the annual fair, the resident jester would climb the belfry and throw cats to their death.

However, no cats are actually killed in the modern-day incarnation of the parade, with the last animal killed in 1817 and since replaced with a toy version.

On its website, Ieper council highlights the attractions of the event, noting the "important, even royal guests, guest appearances [for] twinned cat towns, the introduction of the Snoezepoezen (Cuddly Kitties), Eurovision broadcasts, new floats and new groups".

In addition, VisitBelgium revealed 2,000 actors will stage performances at the parade, demonstrating the role of the cat in literature, history and folklore.

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