Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hasselt burns in the true literal sense at the yearly May event as they create a massive bonfire. Householders ceremonially burn winter’s symbolism while beckoning spring through dance performances along with theatrical arts and traditional Maypole rituals.
Tonight, Hasselt marked its 468-year-old tradition of welcoming spring with the annual May Evening celebration, as reported by VRT. The event featured a symbolic burning of winter, a Maypole procession, and performances by local theatre and dance groups. A large crowd gathered as a festive campfire was lit on the Grote Markt, where a doll representing winter was set ablaze. Attendees participated in the traditional procession from Reddelberg, enjoyed Hasseltse droplets and speculaas, and witnessed the May Count’s proclamation from horseback.
The May Evening in Hasselt dates back to 1538 and remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural heritage. The event began with a procession from Reddelberg to the Grote Markt, where participants joined along the route. Upon arrival, a campfire was lit, and a doll symbolising winter was burned to mark the transition to spring.
A Maypole was erected, a tradition believed to ensure prosperity in the coming seasons. The evening included performances by local theatre and dance groups, along with the May Count’s ceremonial reading from horseback, announcing winter’s end.
Attendees celebrated with Hasseltse droplets (a local gin) and speculaas, maintaining customs unchanged since the event’s inception. Alderman Laurence Libert (N-VA/Open Vld) noted the event’s enduring appeal, drawing both locals and visitors.
What is the historical and cultural significance of Hasselt’s May evening?
Hasselt’s May evening tradition, celebrated with a large campfire under the theme “Burn winter and welcome spring,” reflects a blend of pagan and Christian spring rituals deeply rooted in regional folklore. The 468th edition marks a 460-year span during which Hasselt maintains its tradition of public fire ceremonies for marking seasonal changes. Germanic Europe traditionally built these fires to eliminate winter while attracting new life through seasonal rituals, which became associated with Christian Lenten traditions, as explained by Luxembourg.
The western Belgian festival Buergbrennen, which is also known as dimanche des Brandons, includes bonfires that used to be celebrated during the first Sunday of Lent. The Hasselt version of the festival stands alone by its specific run during late April and early May, which combines universal agricultural customs with local cultural pride.
The fire’s lighting—often led by community figures like newlyweds—serves as a collective ritual to “purge” winter’s darkness and embrace renewal.
