In Wever, a hamlet of Glabbeek (Flemish Brabant), one whole and four half pigs’ heads were sold at auction in time-honoured tradition during the annual St Anthony’s celebrations. The whole head fetched 700 euros. In all the sale raised a total of almost 2,000 euros, which will be donated in full to the Cancer Foundation.
It's tradition to celebrate St Anthony’s on 15 January. He is the patron saint of Wever, a hamlet in Glabbeek. Every year this is done in a special way: with the auction of one whole and four half pig's heads. Preskop or brawn and white and black sausages are also on sale at the stalls around the church.
It’s a special feast that attracts a lot of villagers. "This is very nice, it brings everyone together, it's a tradition that needs to be kept alive," one of those present tells VRT. "It may seem a strange custom, but we are used to it, it is part of the legend of the village."
The whole sale raised almost 2,000 euros. Kevin Joblin of Café Sportlokaal in Glabbeek offered 700 euros for the entire pig's head. "The last two times I didn’t get it, but it’s third time lucky!", Kevin says with satisfaction. "It's a hefty sum. We set something aside every month, but it's also an investment. Everyone hears your name, you get in the papers and are mentioned on Facebook, you earn it back."
So what are the plans for the pig's head? "We're going to have Preskop (brawn) made from it, and that will later be on offer down the pub."
"After the sale, the pig's heads are taken in a procession of pig drivers and nuns to the parish hall, where the festivities continue throughout the afternoon, including at Wever Fair," explains organiser Geert Grootjans.
Traditionally, the proceeds from the sale of the pigs’ heads and sausages, as well as the proceeds from the church collection are donated to charity. This year the Cancer Foundation was chosen.