Opodo travel news

When Belgians attack

26 Jun 2006

Local rivalries are settled in the water for the Belgian town of Namur's annual water jousting.

On 12 and 13 August, teams in medieval costumes will head onto boats on the River Meuse, which runs through Namur, and row towards each other.

At the head of the boat stands the jouster, ready to knock his opponent into the water and trying to avoid any lances that are heading towards his shield.

Usually both jousters find themselves falling towards the water, so the decision on which wet competitor wins rests with the judges.

During the two days of the tournament, several bouts take place leading to the grand final on the Sunday night.

The town also holds a market during the watery fighting and music and plenty of local food and drink keep the crowds' moods high.

The mediaeval fighting continues in Namur in autumn, when the Combat de l'Echasse d'Or or the Fight for the Golden Stilt takes place in the town's main square.

This time, teams in medieval costumes do battle on stilts on 28 September.


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