Residents of Bouillon gather for traditional hunting festival and animal blessing

Residents of Bouillon, a town in Belgium, gathered on 10 and 11 November 2026 for the traditional hunting festival and a blessing of animals.

Despite gloomy weather, crowds filled the streets to participate in the local festivities and visit the game market. Father Adalbert Nemeyimana, a priest in Bouillon, presided over a blessing for dogs, cats, and horses on the church parvis.

He noted that the event draws people who may not attend regular church services but feel a deep connection to their pets. The priest described these animals as vital family members who provide companionship and joy, particularly for elderly people or those living in isolation. He observed that some people in precarious situations prioritize feeding their pets over their own needs.

The local community and visitors from surrounding areas, including former parishes where the priest worked, attended the event to celebrate their bond with animals. The priest explained that while the church does not baptize animals, it blesses them as part of creation. Beyond the religious aspect, the event serves to bring the community together and reduce loneliness. The festival also featured a game market with local crafts and food, accompanied by live music from the Sangliers d'Arlon.