The “Dendermondse ommegang” also known as “katuit” (which would literally translate as cat out), this is a procession that happens every year in the city of Dendermonde.
The procession displays the history of Dendermonde with the famous story of “het Ros Beiaard”.Het Ros Beiaard is a strong and mighty horse that according to its legend saved its masters, the 4 sons of Charlemagne, after a conspiracy was made up against them.After this legendary survival, the conspirators try to get rid of the horse is in the nearby Schelde by drowning it with a millstone attached, the mighty horse manages to swim 3 times up and looks his masters loyal in the eye while they say a painful farewell.This legend about the history of Dendermonde, loyalty and moral is displayed every year during the procession, if you however want to see the famous horse itself you will have to wait until 2020, as the giant horse is only allowed every 10 years to come out of its stables and ride around the city with its 4 masters on top.
The procession also features the 3 giants; Mars, Goliath and Indian, who date back to the 17th century, these each have their own story portrayed in the procession, but watch out for the “knappertanden” while you enjoy the atmosphere, because they could really give you a scare!
The knappertanden, literally translated as the ‘chattering teeth’, these 17th century creatures look similar to wolves, creep up to you and give you the scare of your life!
Procession date this year is 25th August 2011
Dendermonde itself is a nice, historic city with great train connections to Brussels and surrounding cities.
Whether you fancy a stroll by the river, a day of gentle shopping or a nice relaxing walk in one of the many parks, Dendermonde has it all to offer.
When you enter Dendermonde via train, you will arrive on a plaza surrounded by terraces, from here it is only a short walk to the shopping street.
The Guildhall of Dendermonde can be found on the centre square, this is a stunning gothic building build in the 14th century. While you are facing the guildhall you will see on the left-hand side another impressive 14th century building, known as the “Vleeshuis” which would translate as the “Meat house”, this building currently functions as a museum with on the top floor a full size skeleton of a mammoth.
If you are looking for a nice hotel to stay in Dendermonde and surrounding towns offer you plenty of choice. At the top of the high street, “the oude vest” is a cosy hotel located known as the “city hotel”; please visit http://www.cityhoteldendermonde.be/ for more information.
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