Hasselt (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Banneux hosted its first witches parade in 40 years, celebrating writer Alfons Jeurissen’s 150th birthday. The lively event featured flour-throwing witches, and music, and will return in 2026.
On 8th September Sunday afternoon, the Banneux district had a parade with fanfares, flag-wavers, 18 giants, and witches for the first time in 40 years. Jan Dierckx, the chairman of the Revival Witch Festivals, explained that the parade celebrates the 150th birthday of local writer Alfons Jeurissen, who wrote stories about witches and superstitions in the area. He emphasized that this is not a Halloween event, it’s about bringing Jeurissen’s stories to life and keeping his work remembered, not celebrating witches themselves.
What made the Banneux Witches’ Parade so memorable and fun for attendees?
The Banneux area was full of energy during a witches’ parade. People in fun witch costumes walked through the streets, making everyone laugh and cheer. The witches played with flour and broomsticks, throwing flour in the air to create white clouds and messing up people’s hair. It has been said that it was a really fun event for all Instead of just watching, people joined in and had fun with the witches, making the atmosphere lively. There was a mix of excitement and celebration, with everyone enjoying the witches’ tricks.
Tony, who went to the witches’ parade with his grandkids, had a fun and surprising time. He thought it would be a normal event, but then the witches started throwing flour into the crowd, and he got completely covered in it. He said it was cool and that the fun made the event exciting. His grandkids enjoyed the parade too, even if some parts were a bit scary. Tony mentioned it was a little frightening when the witches came close, waving their broomsticks and playing around. But overall, it was a funny and fun day, creating special memories for Tony and his grandkids.
Dirk is happy that the witches’ parade is back, mentioning that groups from Blankenberge to Vielsalm put a lot of effort into it, looking scary and creating a great atmosphere. Willy, who enjoyed the witches’ parties from 1974 to 1984, is also pleased to see the parade return, saying it brings life to the neighborhood and is worth experiencing, especially because there were some beautiful witches. He jokes that his witch at home is even prettier. The parade will take place every two years, with the next one set for 2026.
