Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Knokke-Heist seeks Flemish intangible heritage status for its 100-year-old Heist Carnival. Alderman Yves Merlevede and Mayor Cathy Coudyser lead surveys of organisers, participants, and residents.
As VRT News reported, the municipality of Knokke-Heist is seeking recognition for the Heist Carnival as part of Flanders’ intangible cultural heritage. Local associations organise the event and make sure it brings people together. The carnival attracts tourists, residents, and local businesses.
“Our carnival has been around for over 100 years, and we’re the second-largest carnival parade in Flanders,”
says Alderman Yves Merlevede (Inzicht).
“Carnival is part of our identity. If we receive recognition from Flanders, it’s primarily a recognition of all the organizations that work hard to make our carnival a reality.”
What makes Knokke-Heist’s 100-year Heist Carnival a Flemish heritage candidate?
According to officials, the carnival is celebrated through local traditions and special events. These include the grand parade with colourful floats and costumes, the sprat evening, and the illuminated evening parade. They mentioned that a unique feature is the “wooden klakker”, a trophy for parade participants.
“Carnival is more than just a celebration,”
adds Mayor Cathy Coudyser (Inzicht).
“It’s a living story that has connected people for generations. With this recognition, we want to officially enshrine this heritage and demonstrate how strongly it lives in our community.”
The municipality of Knokke-Heist will survey everyone involved with the Heist Carnival. The survey will include organisers, participants, local associations, and residents. Officials say it is part of the plan to have the carnival recognised as Flemish intangible heritage. The survey will be available online starting tomorrow, Nov 11, 2025, but a paper version is also available.
“We don’t just want to describe what Carnival is, but especially show what it means to the people who celebrate it,”
says Merlevede.
“Everyone has their own memories of Carnival, but we also want to identify any challenges.”
The Blankenberge Carnival on the coast has already been recognised as intangible heritage. However, organisers of the Heist Carnival say there is no competition between the events. Carnival organiser Merlevede says each carnival has its own history and unique traditions.
“We’ve already spoken with Blankenberge, and they support us in this matter. That’s a great collaboration. Besides, just because we receive recognition doesn’t automatically mean we’ll keep it. You have to keep working at it.”
Is UNESCO World Heritage recognition the next step?
“We’re just a bit too small for that,”
laughs Merlevede.
“But let’s dream. Why not, right? We have excellent services that are 100 percent ready for something like that. But first, we need that Flemish recognition.”
The Heist Carnival in Knokke-Heist has been celebrated for over a hundred years. It’s celebrated with the grand parade, the “sprat evening”, the illuminated evening parade, and the “wooden klakker” trophy for participants. The Blankenberge Carnival on the coast was recognised as Flemish intangible heritage in 2019.
