Pjeirefretters

The people of Vilvoorde have an ambiguous relationship with horses: on the one hand, they proudly call themselves “Pjeirefretters”; on the other, they cherish the horse they love to eat. Two statues in the city commemorate the Brabant draft horse—one of Vilvoorde’s most famous residents. Jean-Luc Dehaene even identified with the farm horse as a symbol of a hard worker.
This walk follows a route through Vilvoorde, past places linked to the theme of horses.
Where does the nickname “Pjeirefretters” come from? Why is the city known for its restaurants serving horse meat? Why are there so many horse sculptures in Vilvoorde? And what is the historical link between the industrial city and horsepower? During the walk, these questions will be answered through stories and anecdotes, guided by a city tour guide.

📏 4 km