Heritage Stories

The carillon is a quintessentially Flemish musical instrument. The original carillon from 1510 in the town hall of Oudenaarde was likely the oldest. From Flanders, the carillon spread throughout the Low Countries in the 16th century, and later to many other regions, even reaching the United States in the 20th century.

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

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