Traditional goose riding ceremony, Belgium

Goose-riding is a popular entertainment game that belongs to the early medieval games of torment with animals that were then widespread in the countryside of Northwestern Europe. These games came in various forms, but at the beginning of the 21st century, it is mainly goose riding on horseback that is concerned. In the Middle Ages, the games were rather rough and a live goose was used. In the present day, the use of a dead goose eliminates the cruelty to animals and the cruelty to morals. The main objective of each game is always to separate the head from the body of the goose while it is hung on a gallows. 

By the middle of the 19th century, protests against the game of torment were growing, because not everyone saw the game as entertainment. In the Flemish polder villages (Berendrecht, Ekeren, Hoevenen, Lillo, Stabroek and Zandvliet) north of Antwerp, the so-called goose-riding game takes place in the period from Carnival to Mid-Lent. The rider of the association who pulls the goose's head may call himself "King" for a whole year. Every year, the 'Kings' of the different goose-rider associations of the last three years gather to fight for the 'Emperor's crown'. 

This year, after two long Covid years, the spectacle could finally take place again. The event is preceded by a parade through the streets of the village of the 'ruling Emperor'. This year 'it took place in Zandvliet. The winner of the spectacle may call himself the "Emperor of the Goose Riders". A real honour, both for the rider and for his association. Next year, the emperor's crown will be fought over sportingly in the beautiful and picturesque village of Lillo.

Recorded by Tony van Dorst.