These are a major element of the cultural identity of the eponymous region in Wallonia, Belgium, situated between the rivers of Sambre and Meuse.
Each May, in the region of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, a set of folk marches is held called the Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse.
A procession used to be dedicated to local saints, protecting their parishes, but over time had become a folkloric display. As with the ancient processions, armed escorts accompany the processions. This tradition has its origins in the Corpus Christi processions that were dedicated to a saint who interceded on behalf of the local community in miraculous ways.
In many villages and small towns, there are processions commemorating the dedication of churches to the Saint to whom they are dedicated. The entire village and town participate in the processions. Military-inspired processions consist of several companies, and each company has tens or even hundreds of marchers.
The marchers are dressed in military uniforms, forming a company that escorts the processions and are organized by committees or a statutory body, which ensures the correct formations. Young people march with their parents in the Young Guard or other companies.
The traditions of the march are passed on orally, commonly within the family or during gatherings, meetings, banquets, or balls necessary for the march's organization. A variety of fifes and drums have been developed that pass on their songs and music to new musicians.
The marchers participate in the formation of new instruments, costumes, flags, and accessories. Drum and fife manufacturers, as well as dozens of artisan clothes designers, use their craftsmanship in replicating and making new instruments, costumes, and flags. The marches serve to enhance integration, bring people from different backgrounds together, and promote social cohesion.
Regardless of the form, the breaking of the glass represents, in all cases, the swearing-in of each officer to the folklore and heritage of their land, and a commitment to preserve tradition in the true sense of the word.
In the presence of the mayor and other officers, each marcher raises his beer glass and empties it immediately, and throws it violently at his feet. This is called a "misérable" on this occasion because it lacks afoot. The audience's applause and the rolling of the drums make a salute to this initiation. As part of this passage of places, the officer organizes, manages, recruits, and ensures that dignity is maintained.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/marches-of-entre-sambre-et-meuse-00670) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marches_of_Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse)