Confraternity of the Protectors of the Ardenne Ham

Bastogne
www.herdiers.be

Founded in 1957. Nowadays, the “ Herdier ” promotes the quality of the real ham of Bastogne and makes a solemn oath at the time of his enthroning in the fraternity. This fraternity is controled by a Grand Master, assisted with a syndic, a provender, a horner and a scribe. It includes 42 members. In full dress, the “ Herdier ” puts on the “ cimarre ”, a large red coat with blue cuffs (colours of the town). He is covered with a cap in the same colours and wears on his chest a little pig on a horn, hanging from a silk ribbon passed round his neck. He holds the crook, a birch rod with a tiny scoop.

The giants of Bastogne

Bastogne

The giants of Bastogne have been created in 1958. Trouffet, typical inhabitant of the Ardenne, is a legendary personage who's feats were told during long evenings. Marie-Jeanne was a merchant who made the reputation of the Ardenne ham. Their son, Tanta, is closer to the folklore of the city. You can meet the giants each year at the time of the carnival.

The Indian Festival

La Ferme des Bisons
Recogne (Bastogne)
www.fermedesbisons.be

July. During a weekend, live at the rhythm of the cow-boys and the Indians. Discover thanks to the reconstitutions of tipis and camps, the craft industry and and the traditions of these two tribes of Far West. Various animations are on the agenda: show, stunt-flying, concerts, guided tours, village for children...

The nuts fair

Bastogne

Originally, the nuts fair was a servants fair.To celebrate their "contract", the young rented people offered nuts to their fiancée. Asking to give up by the Germans, General McAuliffe, ordering the american 101st Airborne during the Battle of the Bulge, simply answered "NUTS" the 22 december 1944. Stroke of luck, it happened nearly to the date of the nuts fair. The nuts fair takes place each year in December.

The Piches Cacayes

Bastogne

The Piche Cacaye is the key character in the legend of Bastogne. Piche Cacaye is in Bastogne what Titi is in Paris or Ketche in Brussels. You can meet the Piches Cacayes during the carnival period each year.