On this page
The Origins of the Cat Parade (1938)
On March 13, 1938, a small Cat Parade made its way through the city. The procession consisted of a band, the town jester, and nine honor guards, each carrying a plush cat from City Hall to the belfry. There, a children’s party began, during which plastic cats were thrown into the crowd. After a short intermission featuring carillon music and a concert of Theban trumpets, the town jester climbed the tower to throw the plush cats down, while red and white paper confetti fluttered through the air.
Earlier that day, residents had already enjoyed the Cat Race, a cycling race that was part of the festivities.
The Cat Parade after World War II
During World War II, the Cat Parade was temporarily suspended. On March 17, 1946, the traditions were revived. A small parade wound its way through the city, followed by the symbolic sentencing of the cat on the Grote Markt. Afterward, plush kittens were once again thrown from the Hallentoren.
The Birth of the Grand Cat Parade (1955)
Mayor Jan Vanderghote dreamed of turning the modest procession into a major folk festival. His successor, Albert Dehem, made that ambition a reality. In the early 1950s, new folkloric parades began popping up all over West Flanders. This was the ideal moment to organize a large-scale Cat Parade in Ypres as well.
Together with well-known Ypres residents such as Octaaf Mus and Daniël Merlevede, Dehem developed an impressive concept. No fewer than 1,500 participants took part in the first major Cat Parade, dressed in magnificent costumes. The designs by artist Frans van Immerseel were brought to life as masks and impressive floats.
In 1955, on the second Sunday of Lent, the first major Cat Parade took place.
A parade with a mission
For Mayor Albert Dehem, the Cat Parade had a clear significance. After the devastation of the war, he wanted to put Ypres back on the map and attract visitors to the city. He also saw the parade as an opportunity to connect business associates and guests to the city in a pleasant way.
Others, including Octaaf Mus, emphasized the residents themselves. They wanted to restore the distinctive “Ypres spirit” that had been weakened by the war years. By working together on the Cat Parade, a strong sense of community was rekindled.
The Importance of the Cat Parade for Ypres
Until the 1980s, Ypres was known to many people primarily for the Cat Parade and less so for war tourism. The parade therefore played an important role in rebuilding the city’s image.
Thanks to the Cat Parade, Ypres regained national prominence, and at the same time, the sense of unity among the population was strengthened.
Our Parade
A Rich Tradition Full of Stories
There are numerous stories, legends, and historical anecdotes surrounding the Cat Parade. Some are based on facts, while others belong more to the realm of folklore. The parade seeks to bring many of these historical and cultural elements to life in an engaging way.
Evolution Over the Years
Although the Cat Parade always takes place on the second Sunday in May, its basic concept has remained remarkably stable over the years. Under director Roger Quaghebeur, the parade experienced a golden age. Since 1997, director Bart Cafmeyer has introduced new highlights and innovations with each edition.
Nevertheless, a few recurring themes and traditions continue to form the core of the parade.
Structure of the Parade
The Cat Parade traditionally begins with a promotional procession. This is followed by the official opening and introduction by the Royal Ypriana Band. After the flag-wavers’ performance, various historical and folkloric scenes are presented, including:
- Ypres: Historic City
- Ypres, City of Cats
- Cat Worship Throughout History
- The Cat in Language and Legend
- The Cat Around the World
The Traditional Cat Toss
After the parade, participants and spectators gather at the Hallentoren. There, the town jester traditionally brings the festivities to a close by tossing a few plush kittens down from the tower—one of the best-known and most beloved parts of the Cat Parade.