“WEDDING FAIR” IN BELGIUM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 22

“WEDDING FAIR” IN BELGIUM

The picturesque small Belgian village of Eccosin has become famous throughout the world, through its annual June festival.

According to tradition, every year the “Wedding Fair” is held at Eccosin. From all parts of Belgium, France, and Holland bachelors go to Eccosin to choose a suitable bride out of the sixty voung girls “on show” at the “fair.’ These girls, aged about 17 to 18 years, are as a rule tall, slender, pretty and charming in manners, and are known to be good housekeepers. Their fame has spread all over the country. Thirty-five years ago the first “ wedding fair” was held at Eccosin. Every vear the little village is adorned. Triumphal doors are erected in the main road, and all the houses arc flagged with national flags. From house to house hang banners with inscriptions, “ Love lives long,” “ Love Is eternal.” “ Happiness is only in tru** love.” and, rising to the occasion “Welcome to the bridegrooms.” “The brides of Eccosin greet you.” The “wedding fair” is opened by a festival procession. In the midst of them the sixty girls slowly pass in decorated coaches. The “ brides ” wear colourful national costumes, and each one. of course, tries to make herself look her very best. There are many more bridegrooms than brides, so this is really a girls r treat. Among the bridegrooms is a 70-year-old gentleman, well known to the girls and their mothers. Every year he hopes to find a suitable housewife, but up to now the brides have preferred younger bridegrooms. After the official greeting a ball is held at the castle, and this is the best occasion for the young folk to come to know each other. They make appointments for another time. Not every girl meets the right fhan. but some do and the wedding fair has proved to be a useful institution for many. About half of the “brides” at the village of Eccosin have found the necessary bridegrooms and married shortly afterwards. Most of these couples have lived happily and contented together.