Brussels Local Custom Tips by marielexoteria

A parade we found

While walking on Rue des Bouchers, we saw this parade coming up and walking towards us. First, it was some people trying to make way. Behind them, there was a police music band, all in blue uniforms and last but not least, a lot of men with their faces and hands painted in black (like Manneken or Jeanneken Pis), wearing a costume and carrying some items: a big silver spoon, a big golden spoon, a flag...one of the men in costumes was also carrying a statue of a child that looked like them. This was on a Saturday afternoon.

Edit Apr 2010: VT'er lmkluque found this, after doing some research (the link now shows information for the month of April): "On Saturday 13 March 2010, from 9 am till noon, Manneken-Pis receives the [receives the costume of the Order of Disciples of St-Luc.] the Zombie Parade that is part of the Brussels International Fantastic Film ... www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm?id=4004".

With a little more research I found this: "The Oeuvre Royale des Berceaux Princesse Paola 'Conservatoire Africain' makes a collection tour. For over 130 years the Noirauds or 'Blacks' walk the streets of Brussels in March. They visit the restaurants to collect money for children in need.

The Blacks are particularly noted for their clothes, white hat, black coat, colorful pants, chains and black painted faces. In all their kindness they fill a black doll (their collection box) with money for the children." (http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm?id=4843&agendaid=1247)