Our Big Move To France

On visiting the Museum of Beaux Arts in Lille and spending hours combing the galleries. There will be posts!!!

I am just learning about the rich tradition of Giants in Flanders. Lille, and this extreme northwest corner of France, is closely associated with Flanders, the French speaking area of Belgium. (Hopefully I will get this right)

Stories about giants are important in the mythological roots of this region. Each town has its origin story and the characters who represent the products and agriculture of the region. Each community builds their giants and parades them through the streets on festival days. This tradition began at least 500 years ago!

The main characters celebrated in Lille are the evil giant Phinaert and the young warrior Lydéric.  Avenging his parents death, Lydéric kills the Giant and founds the city of Lille.

I hope I get to see these magnificent giants in action one day!