Women March in historic roles at Belgium’s saint-Feuillen
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In Fosses-la-Ville, Belgium, women are now marching as organized groups in the Saint-Feuillen festival, a tradition that previously restricted them to support roles.
Until 2019, women could only participate as cantinières (providers of food and drink) or hat carriers alongside the male marchers. Recent years have seen a shift toward greater equality, with one company opening its ranks to women in 2023. This year, two new female pelotons, the Marie Tête-de-Bois and the Sentinelles, debuted in the procession.
The Marie Tête-de-Bois, named for a famed vivandière (a woman who accompanied armies providing food, drink and medical care) from the Napoleonic era, wear historically-inspired uniforms including red skirts, golden-buttoned jackets, and tall hats. Corinne Henry, a member of the 14th brigade, explained that her family has marched for generations, with women traditionally handling logistics.
The Sentinelles, also a new all-female group, have created their own identity with blue jackets, white skirts, and a key on their belts symbolizing a new responsibility within the tradition. Carole Baufay, an officer with the Sentinelles, said the group formed because women wanted to march together as a unit. Alongside these new groups, some women are also integrating directly into traditionally male pelotons, carrying axes and rifles.
Local chocolatier Chantale Florent created a special box of nine pralines flavored with Saint-Feuillien beer to celebrate this year’s festival.
