You may have noticed that Christmas markets no longer have the same name. In Brussels, we talk about “Winter Fun”, and in Mons, “Mons Cœur en Neige”. But why this change? According to Philippe Close’s office, this is not at all a tradition that would be “disowned”.
In France, the removal of the word “Christmas” from markets dedicated to this holiday is causing controversy. For some, it is an attack on traditions; for others, it allows all sensitivities to be respected. What about in Belgium?
Not a question of tradition
In Brussels as in Mons, markets are well organized for the end of year celebrations, but their names make no explicit reference to Christmas. For the capital, we speak of “Winter Fun”, and for the city of Mons, it is “Mons Cœur en Neige”. But why these names? According to Philippe Close’s office, it is simply a matter of standing out from the traditional Christmas markets. Far from denying tradition, all the symbols of Christmas are present, from the tree to the nativity scene.
The same explanation is given in other cities which have chosen not to include Christmas in the name of their market. In Mons, for example, the objective is to include all the activities that take place during the holidays.
Brussels and Mons are no exceptions. In Louvain-la-Neuve, the market is called “Louvain la Neige”, in Ciney, it is “Les Féeries du Parc”, and in Tournai, it is “Tournai d’Hiver”.
Find “You are in the newspaper”, Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on bel RTL with Peggy Simono and Thibaut Roland.
You are in the Christmas market newspaper Belgium
