Musée des Marches Folkloriques: A Celebration of Folklore

The Musée des Marches Folkloriques de l'Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, located in a historic building in Gerpinnes, Wallonia, is dedicated to the region's rich folklore, especially the traditional marches. These marches, rooted in the Middle Ages, have evolved through historical periods, with armed companies donning military uniforms since 1801 to honor village patron saints. The museum, established in 1986, aims to promote the study and understanding of the history of these folk marches. It houses collections of old and contemporary objects related to the marches, including manuscripts, articles, memoirs, books, photos, and videos. The exhibits showcase the origins and evolution of the marches, with costumes, weapons, and flags from the First and Second Empires. Visitors can explore different themes, including the archives of the Royal Association of Folk Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, Second Empire costumes, and photographic documents. The museum also highlights the use of imperial-era uniforms, a result of volunteer soldiers retaining their uniforms after returning from the French army in 1815. The museum is managed by volunteers. Documentation in French, Dutch, and English is available to enhance the visitor experience.