Herdersem – Sint-Antoniuskermis 2027

Sint-Antoniuskermis Herdersem 2027 brings together winter funfair attractions and an exceptionally lively village tradition in Herdersem, Belgium. Around the feast day of Saint Anthony, local associations, families and neighbours gather here. Events have already been announced for the 2027 edition, from Saturday, 16 to Monday, 18 January. Of particular note, the local Royal Harmony Society has confirmed a parade on Sunday, 17 January. Exact opening times for the rides and the full line-up of rides have not yet been officially announced.

Sint-Antoniuskermis Herdersem 2027: the confirmed dates

The official agenda of Harmonie Herdersem lists an Eetfestijn on 16, 17 and 18 January 2027 as part of Sint-Antoniuskermis. The traditional procession is also explicitly announced for Sunday, 17 January. The association has not yet provided times or a route for the procession. Nor is there a reliably confirmed list of daily funfair opening hours. That is why the event calendar does not show a seemingly precise time. The same applies to the individual rides, whose operating hours may differ from those of the surrounding events.

Programme of Sint-Antoniuskermis Herdersem 2027

The multi-day club meal and Sunday parade are confirmed. Both are part of the sociable character of the event, in which the village community itself plays an important role. It remains to be seen what other programme items the local clubs will prepare for 2027. Previous editions have included music, social gatherings, a traditional Pensenworp and church services. These traditions offer a good insight into the event’s history, but are explicitly not a confirmed programme for 2027. We will add further dates only when the organisers in charge announce them.

Why the Antoniusfest has a special story

The Sint-Antoniusviering is part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. The local Antoniusgilde has been documented since 1663. The celebration also commemorates the veneration of Anthony the Abbot and an old pilgrimage from nearby Moorsel. The so-called Moorselse Mis also played a role. The Flemish documentation of intangible cultural heritage describes these customs in detail. So, unlike a visit to a fairground alone, here you experience a blend of showman culture, local history and community life.

Rides, children's funfair and typical funfair food

Funfair attractions are also traditionally part of Antoniuswochenende. The cultural heritage documentation describes carousels, duck fishing, bumper cars and shooting galleries as typical attractions, for example. However, this does not mean that each of these attractions will also be on site 2027. No current, confirmed line-up of rides naming the individual attractions is available yet. The same applies to specific ride prices. When planning your visit, it is therefore important to distinguish between the club events that have already been confirmed and the showmen's offering, which is still unconfirmed.

How to find the celebration in Herdersem

Herdersem is part of the city of Aalst in East Flanders. The heritage documentation gives Grote Baan 202 in the town centre as a reference point. The celebrations may be spread across several buildings and streets; in particular, the procession is not an event held at one single fixed location. The map point on this page is therefore a guide and not a confirmed layout of the rides. Shortly before you travel, check whether the city or local associations have published information about road closures, parking or the procession route.

Tips for your January funfair visit

The Winter Funfair is an opportunity to get to know Herdersem away from Belgium’s major fairs. Allow plenty of time for Sunday’s parade, as the route and exact start time have not yet been announced. There is also no up-to-date official admission price for the funfair site. Find more events in our funfair calendar. You can search there for more funfairs in Belgium and the Netherlands.