The Parade of the Men of the Year

 There's traditions at the start of September. Before the students return downtown the fair hits the center and the Unesco cultural heritage of the Men of the Year celebrate. The first Saturday they celebrate Abraham and those turning 50 while a new group of men turning 40 join the organization. 

And the 2nd Sunday the men parade through the city....birth year after birth year. 

The celebrating men of born in the year 76 opened the parade with a big Chinese dragon from the Chinese community in Leuven since they are born in the Year of the dragon. They were followed by the men of 86, braving fashionably pink shoes<; 

Then all the other groups passed through the city , each in their uniform, carrying their year flag, etc... 

Our former mayor and Minister of State , Louis Tobback also a proud men of the year faithfully marching along each year. 

Our boys enjoy marching with the year signs along since a few years in block 2 (all the years ending on a 2). 

The men of 76 on stage, getting greeted 

Block 0 and the year 1980 has learned from our example in recent years and is currently also employing children for their signs ;)

The marraines of all men

Lots of familiar faces walking by again

After the official festivities it was time for drinks and food with friends