The Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) attracted some 230,000 visitors on Friday, breaking attendance records since the commencement of this 179th edition.
To properly manage the crowd flow and prevent dangerous situations, most public spaces in the city remained open for an additional hour as a safety protocol, stated by festival alderman Bram Van Braeckevelt. Vlasmarkt and Sint-Jacobs were exceptions.
Police spokesperson Matto Langeraert stressed that this was an extraordinary measure: “Last weekend also saw a high number of visitors, yet the festivities were more spread across the city.”
Thousands congregated to witness the procession of the Stroppendragers (rope carriers), a tradition in the city. The procession took place under tight security, as police had received information of a potential disruption by climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR). The parade proceeded smoothly, although the activists managed to unfurl a banner from the Belfry, which was promptly removed.
On Saturday, the Witch’s Guild marched at 18:00 to reinstate those previously persecuted and fight current injustices.
