Kroegentocht: Tradities in Peril
Local Cafés Offer More Than Just Drinks: A Look at Community Traditions
Table of Contents
- Local Cafés Offer More Than Just Drinks: A Look at Community Traditions
- Customary Savings Clubs Thrive in Ghent’s Historic Pubs
- Lokale Smaken en Tradities: Een Nieuwe Kijk
- Café Jeruzalem: Ham Weight guessing Game Creates Buzz in Machelen
- Local Cafés Offer More Than Just Drinks: A Look at Community Traditions
- Comix: A Hub with a thirty-Year History
- The Gratitude of Small Gestures
- Café Den Turk in Gent: Community Savings for the Gentse Feesten
- Café Edemolen in Nazareth: Honoring tradition and Loyalty
- Café Jeruzalem: Ham Weight Guessing Game Creates Buzz in Machelen
- Café Jeruzalem in Machelen (Zulte): “Het gewicht van de hesp is hier al een maand het gespreksonderwerp”
- Conclusion
Beyond the usual offerings of coffee and beer, some local cafés have become cornerstones of their communities by offering unique traditions that foster camaraderie and appreciation among their patrons.
Comix: A Hub with a Thirty-Year History
Comix, a café with a name that stands out, has been a local favorite for three decades. According to owner Michael Callewaer, the name is inspired by his passion: “I am a stripverzamelaar and it is also the name of a dancing in Calpe in Spain.”
the café is renowned for its pistolets met ‘gekapt,’ a classic offering that evokes a sense of nostalgia. callewaer proudly states, “I have for 95 percent fixed customers.” He knows their routines so well that he can predict “at what moment who will come in,where he or she will sit and what thay will order to drink.”
On Fridays, Comix treats its regulars to pistolets. Callewaer explains, “In the past, customers also prepared their specialty, but that has faded. Now, every last day of the work week, I make sure there is food on the table.”
The Gratitude of small Gestures
Callewaer emphasizes the impact of these small gestures: “It is indeed unbelievable how hard people appreciate that, how grateful they are. They like to get something so much.” This extends to Saturdays with “chipjes en nootjes” and Sundays with “toastjes” or a “frikandelleke” from the frietpot.
He acknowledges the cost but sees it as an investment: “People become happy from something small. And yes: it costs me something. One time you win something because there is extra drinking, the other time not. It is the bluts with the buil.”
Conclusion
These examples illustrate how local cafés are more than just places to grab a drink. They are vital community hubs that foster traditions,create a sense of belonging,and offer unique experiences that enrich the lives of their patrons.Whether it’s free pistolets on Fridays or a savings club for a local festival, these initiatives highlight the importent role cafés play in building and maintaining community spirit.
Customary Savings Clubs Thrive in Ghent’s Historic Pubs
In the heart of Ghent, amidst the historic pubs, a unique tradition endures: the “spaarkas,” or savings club.These clubs, once a common sight, continue to offer a secure way for members to save, fostering community and financial prudence.
While many of these charming wooden savings boxes have faded into history, at Den Turk in Ghent, the “Keizerlijke Maatschappij Karel” remains a vibrant institution. Historically, the spaarkas served to protect workers from impulsive spending. Upon receiving their wages, they would immediately deposit a portion into the box, ensuring savings for the future.
On the first Wednesday of each month, members gather as the club’s treasurer, Gerda Bosschem, along with the board, “light” the kas, or count the savings. “Our members must save at least 10 euros each month,” she explains. “But some put 100 euros or more in their slot.From their monthly amount, we keep 1 euro to organize activities for the nearly hundred members. We do a breakfast, and soon a walk.The spaarkas then pays a part.”
In February, the club saved just over 3,000 euros. “It is sometimes 5,000,” Gerda notes. “After the lighting in early June, the members receive an envelope with their saved money. Ideal to go on vacation or start the Ghent festivals.”
Lokale Smaken en Tradities: Een Nieuwe Kijk
In de lokale horeca draait alles om unieke ervaringen en smaken. Een van de bijzondere verhalen komt van een vrouw die dagelijks een kippenmandje vol kookt. “en ze gaan vlot over de toog,” vertelt ze. “Heel veel Britse toeristen vragen er ook naar.”
De kippenmandjes zijn heerlijk met een klein beetje zout. “En af en toe sla ik er één kapot op de kop van een zeurende klant,” voegt ze lachend toe.
Café Edemolen in nazareth: “De vaste klanten krijgen hier hunne zondag”
© Inge Kinnet
Vroeger kon je nog eens gratis dronken worden tijdens een kroegentocht, waarbij je overal “uwe maandag” ging halen. Maar die tijden veranderen, en de kroegen worden zeldzamer.
Ivan Van de Velde (80), die al 45 jaar pinten tapt in De Edemolen in Nazareth, houdt de traditie in ere. “ik doe het nog steeds voor de vaste klanten,” zegt hij. “Voor jonge starters is dat een serieuze investering, want bij mij gaat dat makkelijk over vijftig pinten per week.”
De Edemolen is een plek waar de hele toog nog getrakteerd wordt als iemand een pint bestelt.Het is tevens het enige Standard-supporterscafé van Oost- en West-Vlaanderen, getuige de vele sjaals aan het plafond.
Café Jeruzalem: Ham Weight guessing Game Creates Buzz in Machelen
Published:
In Machelen, Zulte, Café Jeruzalem is buzzing with excitement over a unique contest. Patrons are eagerly participating in a guessing game centered around the weight of a raw ham. this initiative has not only sparked lively conversations but also strengthened community bonds.
The café owner, Saskia Cosijns, shares her generosity with loyal customers, stating, “Maar ze krijgen hier hunne zondag omdat ik op maandag gesloten ben. Of hunne dinsdag. Of allebei. Ik ben nogal gul voor mijn goeie klanten.” This sentiment reflects the warm and inviting atmosphere of Café Jeruzalem.
Café Jeruzalem in Machelen (Zulte): “Het gewicht van de hesp is hier al een maand het gespreksonderwerp”
The guessing game at Café Jeruzalem has captured the attention of the local community. The challenge? To accurately guess the weight of a raw ham.
The café owner, Saskia Cosijns, revealed that the actual weight of the ham is 7.155 kilograms. “Er hebben de afgelopen maand tientallen mensen gegokt,” Cosijns explains. “Het verschil was enorm, de één dacht 4 kilo, de ander dacht 15 kilo.”
The person with the closest guess gets to take the raw ham home. The money collected from the guesses is used to support local associations.
Cosijns elaborates, “Met het geld dat werd gebruikt om te gokken, steun ik alle verenigingen die hier hun lokaal hebben: de dartsclub, de spaarkas, de vinkenzetters, … Maar het zorgt ook voor gezellige discussies. Die hesp is hier een maand lang zowat het belangrijkste gespreksonderwerp geweest.”
Saskia Cosijns cherishes these traditional café activities.“binnenkort hang ik een lint op met enveloppen. Altijd prijs voor wie er één kiest.”
Okay, I will rewrite the given article, integrating the provided text snippets about Café Edemolen and Café Jeruzalem, and incorporating relevant information I find online to address any gaps or expand on the topics.I will focus on crafting a cohesive narrative that highlights the community-focused traditions of these Belgian cafés.
Rewritten Article:
Local Cafés Offer More Than Just Drinks: A Look at Community Traditions
Beyond the usual offerings of coffee and beer, some local cafés have become cornerstones of their communities by offering unique traditions that foster camaraderie and recognition among their patrons. These establishments are more than just places to grab a drink; they are vital community hubs that create a sense of belonging and offer unique experiences that enrich the lives of their patrons.
Comix: A Hub with a thirty-Year History
Comix, a café with a name that stands out, has been a local favorite for three decades. According to owner Michael Callewaer, the name is inspired by his passion: “I am a stripverzamelaar and it is also the name of a dancing in Calpe in Spain.” This love for comics creates a unique atmosphere within the café.
The café is renowned for its pistolets met ‘gekapt,’ a classic offering that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Callewaer proudly states, “I have for 95 percent fixed customers.” He knows their routines so well that he can predict “at what moment who will come in, where he or she will sit and what thay will order to drink.”
On Fridays, Comix treats its regulars to pistolets. Callewaer explains, “In the past, customers also prepared their specialty, but that has faded. Now, every last day of the work week, I make sure there is food on the table.” This gesture transforms the end of the week into a small festivity for his loyal customers.
The Gratitude of Small Gestures
Callewaer emphasizes the impact of these small gestures: “It is indeed indeed unbelievable how hard people appreciate that, how grateful they are. They like to get something so much.” This extends to Saturdays with “chipjes en nootjes” and Sundays with “toastjes” or a “frikandelleke” from the frietpot.
He acknowledges the cost but sees it as an investment: “People become happy from something small. And yes: it costs me something. One time you win something because there is extra drinking, the other time not. It is indeed the bluts with the buil.” This pragmatic yet generous approach highlights the long-term value of building community.
Café Edemolen in Nazareth: Honoring tradition and Loyalty
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While free-flowing kroegentochten (pub crawls) might potentially be fading, some cafés continue to uphold traditions of generosity and community. Ivan Van de Velde (80),who has been serving drinks at De Edemolen in Nazareth for 45 years,exemplifies this spirit.
“I still do it for the regular customers,” he says, referring to the practice of treating patrons. He acknowledges this generosity comes at a cost, especially for young people. In the past, “uwe maandag” was a common thing, referencing a free drink to relieve the beginning of the week.
De Edemolen is a place where the entire bar is treated when someone orders a round. It also stands out as the only Standard Liège supporter’s club café in East and West Flanders, evidenced by the numerous scarves adorning the ceiling. This creates a strong identity and sense of belonging for fans of the football club.
Café Jeruzalem: Ham Weight Guessing Game Creates Buzz in Machelen
In Machelen, Zulte, Café Jeruzalem is buzzing with excitement over a unique contest. Patrons are eagerly participating in a guessing game centered around the weight of a raw ham. This initiative has not only sparked lively conversations but also strengthened community bonds.
The café owner,Saskia Cosijns,shares her generosity with loyal customers,stating,“Maar ze krijgen hier hunne zondag omdat ik op maandag gesloten ben. Of hunne dinsdag. Of allebei. Ik ben nogal gul voor mijn goeie klanten.” This sentiment reflects the warm and inviting atmosphere of Café Jeruzalem. Offering hunne zondag or hunne dinsdag references additional treats for loyal customers. The guessing game further adds onto Cosijns’s generosity.
Café Jeruzalem in Machelen (Zulte): “Het gewicht van de hesp is hier al een maand het gespreksonderwerp”
Yr4jcM8ONqkC8yRF3FRrTtNWQ=/fit-in/960×640/https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.nieuwsblad.be%2FAssets%2FImagesUpload%2F2025%2F03%2F11%2F5767792a-ffbc-4c83-b710-6b6322c6ca4c.jpg” alt=”The raw ham at Café Jeruzalem”>
The guessing game at Café Jeruzalem has captured the attention of the local community. The challenge? To accurately guess the weight of a raw ham.
The café owner, Saskia Cosijns, revealed that the actual weight of the ham is 7.155 kilograms. “Er hebben de afgelopen maand tientallen mensen gegokt,” Cosijns explains. “Het verschil was enorm, de één dacht 4 kilo, de ander dacht 15 kilo.” The wide range of guesses creates further discussion.
The person with the closest guess gets to take the raw ham home. The money collected from the guesses is used to support local associations, contributing back to the community.
Cosijns elaborates, “Met het geld dat werd gebruikt om te gokken, steun ik alle verenigingen die hier hun lokaal hebben: de dartsclub, de spaarkas, de vinkenzetters, … Maar het zorgt ook voor gezellige discussies. Die hesp is hier een maand lang zowat het belangrijkste gespreksonderwerp geweest.” The café acts a central meeting place for different organizations, strengthening ties between locals and the community.
Saskia Cosijns cherishes these traditional café activities. “binnenkort hang ik een lint op met enveloppen.Altijd prijs voor wie er één kiest.” These initiatives build the community and keep people coming in.
Conclusion
These examples illustrate how local cafés are more than just places to grab a drink. They are vital community hubs that foster traditions, create a sense of belonging, and offer unique experiences that enrich the lives of their patrons.Whether it’s free pistolets on Fridays, a savings club for the Gentse Feesten, a guessing game around a ham, or treating the bar to a round, these cafés prove that a little generosity and a strong sense of community can go a long way.