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Kill them! Burn them! Beat them to death!
Four hundred years ago these kind of hostile reactions were not uncommon in our regions. There’s no doubt that four women believed to be witches were burnt to death here in 1607.
In memorial of these ‘Heksenvuur’ (‘Witch and/on Fire’), the municipality of Laarne-Kalken will publish a local ‘witch paper’ and organize a spectrum of special events such as theatre plays, lectures and poetry evenings.
In august 2007 - the harvest month - the spectacle is due to start. Laarne will go back in time 400 years and commemorate its persecuted witches. In the context of ‘Heksenvuur’ (Witch and/on Fire) a huge spectacle will take place, going from an old flemish market and a firework to an unforgettable walking tour. |
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After 2007 the show must, and will, go on. The purpose of ‘Heksenvuur’ is to give the community of Laarne-Kalken international fame as the witch commune of Flanders. In the past our community has already shown interest in witch traditions.
Our present mayor Ignace De Baerdemaeker was intensely involved in the former spectacles involving witch persecutions. Now mayor of Laarne-Kalken, he has the honour to once again proudly present the 400-year memorial of the witch persecutions which will take place in 2007. The unique site of the historical castle of Laarne will be the ideal backdrop for this kind of big event.
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