Belgian Customs
Conion, a card game, is a favorite pastime of many Belgians.
"Every afternoon after school, we would go down the street to the tavern in Rosiere. We would get a soda and play football while the farmers played conion (cuyoo). Walloon-French could be heard throughout the whole place."
-Ezra Zeitler, former Rosiere resident |
Kirmess is a Thanksgiving festival put on by Belgians. Kirmess lasts for three days during each week for six successive weeks. Each Belgian Catholic parish takes a turn in holding the Kirmess event. The first Kirmess held in Wisconsin in 1858 by Jean Baptiste Macaux. Customs such as Belgian pies and breads are commonly served at the Kirmess. In the past customs such as climbing greased poles, catching a greased pig, foot faces and folk dancing often accompany the Kirmess. |