Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand are the names of ancient celebrations held in Geraardsbergen each year. The event's summit is Krakelingenworp at the top of Oudenberg.
The city center sees a historical procession that traces the history of Geraardsbergen for about 25 centuries before the actual kringle throw on the Oudenberg. The historical facts (such as the defeat of Gerardsbergen by the army led by Walter of Enghien and the Celtic elements) engage in a discussion with the saga formation around the origin of the parties. As a result, they can reflect on their cultural heritage in a broader way. As part of this awareness promotion, each year a special aspect of the historical-folk heritage is also highlighted in addition to the substantial core of history. Geraardsbergen's contacts with Latin America in recent years include the work of Pedro de Gante as a missionary in Vera Paz in the 20th century, the role of women in the urban development of the city, crafts from medieval times, and 19th-century industries (organ builders, lace, cigars), folk artists from the region with international fame, cultural-historical inputs from the boroughs in the merger.
On the first Monday in March, the city of Geraardsbergen hosts its annual market, while the festival of Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrad marks the end of winter eight days earlier. The custom began with shopkeepers decorating their windows and bakers making special ring-shaped bread known as krakelingen, while schoolteachers recounted the origins of the ritual.
On the feast day, a thousand-strong procession leaves the Hunnegem church, led by the dean and councilors dressed in historical costumes. In carrying bread, wine, fish, and fire, the participants ascend to the Holy Mary Chapel at the top of Oudenberg Hill. During this service, the dean blesses and prays over the krakelingen. Afterward, religious and secular leaders drink wine from a sixteenth-century silver goblet filled with tiny live fish, which has recently become a controversial tradition. After that, ten thousand krakelingen containing winning tickets were thrown into the crowd. A golden jewel was specially designed for the occasion. At night, people gather on the hilltop once again to celebrate the arrival of spring by lighting the Tonnekensbrand, a wooden barrel. To bring light to the city, spectators carry burning torches back down the hill.
However, for its participants, the festive ritual instills a sense of continuity and historical awareness, evoking historical events and legends passed down through generations. As of today, the tradition is still alive, at the end of the winter, usually on the last Sunday of February, people in the region celebrate the festival.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/krakelingen-and-tonnekensbrand-end-of-winter-bread-and-fire-feast-at-geraardsbergen-00401) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakelingen_and_Tonnekensbrand#Saga)