Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven held its 75th Annual Fair. De Vetten Os, managed by André Van Der Eeken, and other pubs like Marengo, Jeeskesboom, and Leivese Ton saw early visitors and large crowds.
As VRT News reported, Leuven is celebrating its 75th Annual Fair. Visitors started arriving early in the morning, and by 6 a.m., the first guests were already at the popular pub De Vetten Os. Victor, one of the early attendees, spoke about the atmosphere.
“I’m not going to beat around the bush; we’re actually drinking beer here in the early morning,”
Says Victor, one of the customers.
“This is a Leuven folk festival that I want to attend every year. As you can see, everyone here is happy. I’m not going to count the pints I’m going to drink, but there will be quite a few.”
What makes Leuven’s 75th annual fair with De Vetten Os and André Van Der Eeken special?
A group of colleagues from Gasthuisberg Hospital visited the pub early, including Anita, who had just finished a night shift.
“It was a busy night at the hospital, but it feels great to have fun before heading home to rest,”
She said.
De Vetten Os has been run by André Van Der Eeken for 38 years. He described the early hours needed to prepare for the fair.
“I got up at 1:15 last night to set up the counters outside and make the rolls,”
He said.
“This is a special day. People are cheerful, and they are also spending money.”
André is officially retired but continues to manage the café during the event. He has not yet found a successor.
“I hope future owners will maintain this tradition and continue to host the start of the annual fair at De Vetten Os,”
He added. Café Marengo, Jeeskesboom, and Leivese Ton see large crowds on the same day.
“Everyone comes out today. People who haven’t seen each other in a long time are reuniting,”
Says Stijn from the Leivese Ton.
“And that includes sausages with roasted onions. I’ve already fried and sold quite a few sausages, because when people start drinking in the morning, they get hungry earlier.”
The Leuven Annual Fair began in 1948 and has grown into one of the city’s most important cultural events. By 1970, pubs such as De Vetten Os had become central gathering points for early-morning visitors. Over the years, the celebration expanded to include other local pubs, including Café Marengo, Jeeskesboom, and Leivese Ton.
