Sinksenfoor Antwerp
Sinksenfoor 2012 Opens Saturday 26th May
The Sinksenfoor is an annual carnival fair held on the South Antwerp docks. With over 150 attractions it’s one of the biggest happenings in Antwerp where everybody goes at least once a year to enjoy the attractions and to eat all kinds of junk food. The carnival takes its name from the Sinksenfeest, better known as Pentecost (Whit Sunday in Britain) – which was traditionally the first day of the fair. Sinksenfoor stays in Antwerp for six weeks until the beginning of July.
The Sinksenfoor been a tradition in Antwerp since the 13th century. From around 1875 until 1969 the fair was held on the slates where we now have heavy traffic so the carnival moved a few blocks away to the Waalse and Vlaamse Kaai.
About two months ago this beautiful tradition almost stopped existing due to some local residents living next to the Sinksenfoor. They claimed that enduring the noise from thousands of people and the rides for 6 weeks a year was a living hell. Everybody understands but then why buy a house there? When moving close to the Sinksenfoor you know you need earplugs for 6 weeks…
Fortunately the judge last week decided that the Sinksenfoor should remain at its present home of 43 years. Many citizens are very pleased with the judge’s decision and look forward to Saturday 26 of May! You too?