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FAAM

FAAM

Marching band during Belgian Marching Day, Zwijnaarde, 1972 - © Huis van Alijn, Ghent

Brass bands and wind ensembles

More than 300 marching bands still march through Flanders. They parade through the streets at fairs and festivals. Brass instruments, percussion, and saxophones ring out cheerfully. The bass drum sets the rhythm with a thudding beat. The most important brass instrument in a marching band is the flugelhorn, which has a warmer sound than the trumpet. You’ll find hours of listening pleasure

Frangema Dance Organ, Decap, 1946 - Vleeshuis Museum, Flemish Community Collection, Antwerp

Music organs!

For centuries, elegant balls remained the exclusive domain of the nobility and the bourgeoisie. In the 19th century, this phenomenon became more widespread. Popular ballrooms and dance halls sprang up in the entertainment districts of cities and in rural areas. There, for a modest admission fee, you could let loose to the music of a live orchestra. More and more often

Initial from the Choir Book of Margaret of Austria, 1515 - Mechelen City Archives

Polyphonic Music by the Fiamminghi

Around 1200, a new musical style emerged in Paris. Gregorian chant, which had been around for centuries, was monophonic. Now a second and third voice were added. Thus, polyphonic music was born. Through the choir schools of Tournai and Cambrai, polyphony also spread to the Low Countries. From the 14th

Minerva Poster, Autoworld, Brussels – the MOT, Grimbergen

On the Road with Minerva

In 1904, motorcycle manufacturer Sylvain de Jong began producing automobiles in Antwerp. After a few years, he set aside motorcycle production. From then on, he built exclusive cars at his new factory in Berchem. His cars were known for their refined finish, their custom craftsmanship, and their speed.

Glass Dome in His Own Home, Victor Horta, ca. 1898–1901 – Horta Museum, Saint-Gilles

At Victor Horta's Home

In 1893–1894, Victor Horta built a home for Professor Emile Tassel in Brussels. It was the world’s first Art Nouveau building. Behind a fairly classical facade lay a remarkably sunny interior. Thanks to his ingenious use of cast iron and glass, Horta succeeded in creating an open structure. This

The Leie River at Latem, Valerius de Saedeleer, 1903 - Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum, Sint-Martens-Latem - artinflanders.be, photo by Cedric Verhelst

A Quiet Place in Sint-Martens-Latem

Sint-Martens-Latem is a picturesque village. It lies on the gently meandering Leie River, thirteen kilometers from Ghent. At the end of the 19th century, many wealthy residents of Ghent built villas here. Busy city dwellers came here on weekends and during vacations to enjoy the peace and quiet amid the greenery.

Vintage poster featuring butter cookies, ca. 1910–1940

Butter Cake

A world’s fair is the perfect occasion to introduce new products. It doesn’t always have to be a world-shattering invention. A delicacy is also not to be sneezed at. For example, the butter cake was introduced at the 1910 World’s Fair in Brussels. Under the name “couques au beurre,” a Belgian baker launched a puff pastry cake