Zoetemarkt is back, with more exhibitors

The organizers are counting on several thousand interested people who will ensure a busy atmosphere at the Dries and in the Warandepark. For this year, they went across the border for the first time in search of makers of oven-delicious pastries and artisanal sweets from French Flanders. With the logical consequence that there will be more exhibitors than previous editions.

The course remains almost unchanged from last year. The stands are set up around the Dries and the Warandepark. This year, however, even more attention will be paid to mobility: sufficient (car and bicycle) parking will be provided and more work will be done on signposting.

At each location you will find an atmospheric terrace, where you can enjoy a drink and one of the many performances. The Cake Klaais – actually the Koninklijke Harmonie Vijverzonen from Dikkebus – open the festivities at 2 p.m., according to annual tradition. The closing performance by Johny Clarysse and band will take place at 5.30 pm at the Dries. A French touch was also chosen for the animation: Johny Mirador and Big Ben Brians Blues are 2 acts on the bill that come from Le Nord.

Sneukelmarkt

The Zoetemarkt has existed for 42 years in its current form: a market where you come to ‘snuggle’ all kinds of sweets. But actually the event goes back to a tradition that originated between the two world wars. On Sinksen Monday, people from the surrounding villages and towns came on foot and by bicycle to the big ball at the Belvédère in search of a ‘sweetheart’, a sweetheart.