The Stilt Jousting of Namur

Just as important and symbolic as any monument in the Belgian city, Namur’s stilt jousting is an unmissable folkloric highlight on our tour. This tradition has been alive for over 600 years, passed down through generations and showcased during the famous Walloon Festival held on the third Sunday of September. In each jousting match, two teams—down from three in the 16th century—compete wearing their traditional costumes. On one side are the Mélans from the city center, with their stilts painted black and yellow. Opposing them are the Avresses, hailing from villages around Namur, sporting red and white stilts. Now that you know the teams, what’s the goal? It’s simple: the jousters try to knock down their opponents completely using a variety of techniques. Expect elbow blocks, shoulder shoves, stilt blocks, and more. Believe us, it takes real cunning! When all members of one team end up on the ground with no chance to continue, the match is over and the winners are declared. This lively custom enjoys great affection among Namur’s residents and has recently been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2021.