Liege Folklore

Workers' District Outremeuse, on the other side of the river, sometimes called a free republic Outremeuse, this is one of the most characteristic areas of the city. Today, the character of the district has changed, it is no longer a district of workers arriving, before and after the war, for work, in the mines and nearby steel mills. However, a symbol of the district Tchantches remains eternally valid. Francis, because that is how the name is translated from local slang, is a figure derived from local folklore. Brave, but still drunk, a coarse freethinker was to be born, emerging from between two paving stones in Outremeuse 25 August 760 years. According to legend, he served Charlemagne in his campaigns. Today, his character performs during traditional puppet theater performances. At Place I'Yser, where he supposedly died, stands his monument. Also Tchantches' beloved, Nanesse has her monument in Liege.

Every year, August 15, a procession with a statue of a black Madonna takes place through the streets of Liege district, Outremeuse. It starts from the church of St. Nicholas. On the same day there is also a festival at which thousands of dancing participants walk through the streets, dressed up in different period costumes. The main attraction of this festival, however, are enormous Tchantches and Nanesse. Although both ceremonies, the church and the secular are held at the same time they do not interfere with each other, on the contrary, both have become one of the most important events in Liege. The processions of 15 August participates annually around 300 of thousands of people from all over the world.

The festival continues the next day, but Tchantches and Nanesse are no longer the main characters. On this day music and fun until the early morning dominate. Various concerts take place at various Outremeuse locations. The streets are filled with food stalls and with light, characteristic for Liege, mixed alcohol with various juices. On this day, young people dominate the streets, and the fun lasts until dawn.