Archived photo by Cis Spook.
Are you ready for crossage?
CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- In Chièvres, crossage is a must-see event. This year, it will take place March 6 starting at noon in the heart of the city. Don’t wait until it’s too late, because registration ends Feb. 28. If you don’t know yet this local tradition, here are five important things to know about crossage:
1. “Attention Chôlette”
If it’s your first time, the most important rule is to learn those two words: “attention chôlette.” During the event, participants play on the street with a wooden mallet called a “rabot” and a wooden ball called a "chôlette". Teams compete against each other as they hit the chôlette with their rabot to reach beer kegs in as few hits as possible. Players shout "chôlette" before they strike the ball to warn other players that the ball is in play. The game can be compared to croquet or golf. The entire course covers 30 beer kegs. Teams compete against one another and have to announce a number of hits to touch the keg.
2. Customized accessories
The rabots are handmade with a very specific technique. Players can customize their rabot as well as the wooden ball. There are no rules. Everyone can decorate their rabots and chôlettes. It is recommended that people soak their rabots and chôlettes in water overnight and let them dry before decorating. This will help prevent the wood from cracking while playing the game.
3. “Crossage à l’tonne”
In Chièvres, participants play “crossage à l’tonne” (tonne meaning keg) in the streets. It is one of the different forms of crossage. The sport has evolved over the years, and there are several explanations about its appearance. The history of crossage dates back to the Middle Ages. Initially, this game was for nobility In the early 15th century, they were playing within the city fortifications. In the 18th century, participants had to play in the fields as the game was causing too much damage inside the city. Then, the game came back to the streets for Ash Wednesday.
4. Good times with friends
Many players participate in the annual event first and foremost to have fun with their friends. Participants try to hit kegs in front of local bars. There are not many bars left today so people place temporary bars instead. At the end of the game, the losing team must buy beers for the winning team. Drinking beer may seem contradictory, because March 6 is the first day of Lent. At the time, Non-Christians wanted to play, party and drink during Ash Wednesday to challenge the Church. It was a provocation and a way of reacting to the obligation of fast and abstinence.
5. Street closures
For the event, the city of Chièvres will be closed to all traffic. No parking will be allowed as this game is played on the streets. For security reasons, participants must pay for insurance during registration. If you want to attend the event, remember that several players can hit a ball at the same time in different directions. Watch your surroundings to avoid being hit!
To register or get more information, please call DSN 314-361-5433 or 0496-87-69-38. Cost is €40 for a rabot (wooden mallet), chôlette (ball) and insurance. Payment must be made at the time of registration.Facebook event page
For more event information, check out our Facebook event page.
Story by Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs