The stilt walkers of Namur

This bronze statue was made in 1999 by Guy Leclercq. It stands on the spot where the "Porte des Ardennes" once stood.

For 6 centuries, two groups of stilt walkers have regularly competed against each other, much to the delight of the spectators.

On the one hand the Mélans who represent the old city with their yellow and black stilts. On the other side, the Avresses , representing the new city and its suburbs, on their red and white stilts.

Their spectacular jousts have enchanted emperors and kings. Charles V, Louis XIV, Peter the Great of Russia, Napoleon... they all witnessed a battle in Namur. Today the stilt walkers continue this living heritage, the pride of the Namur people.

Since December 16, 2021, the Namur stilt joust has been included on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO).

The battle for the golden stilt is the most popular joust organized in Namur. The golden stilt is organized on the third Sunday of September as part of the Festivities of Wallonia, which animates the streets of Namur every year.

During the first phase, the two teams battle in the center of the square. Gradually the weaker stilt walkers are eliminated until the strongest remain. Ultimately, one team , thanks to their technique, physical strength and better organization , manages to eliminate all members of the other team.

This is where the second phase starts: the “Bout-a-tot”. The remaining stilt walkers turn against each other to determine the ultimate victor. The last stilt walker still standing on his stilts will then be awarded the golden stilt, after first greeting the spectators. He may hold this title for one year. The last stilt walker of the defeated brigade receives the silver stilt.

Willem Vandenameele