Why did people in Merchtem walk on stilts? Merchtem. It’s a town steeped in peculiar tradition, a tradition born of necessity. Imagine Merchtem, a municipality in Flemish Brabant, its quiet villages nestled along the meandering Molenbeek. This seemingly ordinary waterway has a history of overflowing its banks, transforming the surrounding fields and hamlets into a marshy expanse. This often isolated Langevelde, a small village within Merchtem. Its resourceful inhabitants, cut off from the main town, devised a unique solution: stilts. These weren’t just any stilts. Some towered several meters high, allowing the villagers to navigate the flooded landscape. Merchtem’s stilt walkers, known as “de steltenlopers,” became a symbol of the town’s resilience. This practical solution evolved into a beloved tradition. Today, the Koninklijke Steltenlopers van Merchtem, the Royal Stilt Walkers of Merchtem, are an internationally recognized group. They perform daring feats and intricate maneuvers on their towering stilts, keeping the spirit of resourceful Merchtem alive. But there’s more to Merchtem than just stilt walkers. The town boasts a rich history, visible in landmarks like the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw church. It’s a place where the echoes of the past blend with the vibrancy of the present. A visit to Merchtem offers a glimpse into a unique cultural heritage, a testament to the enduring human spirit. It’s a town where a simple solution to a watery predicament gave rise to a cherished tradition.
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.