2023-07-31 16:11:00
The large ducasse in the Saint-Jacques district, which attracted a lot of people from Friday evening in the center of Nivelles with a concert by Scratch My Back, was special this year. It was indeed a question of celebrating with dignity the thirty years of existence of the Free Commune of Petit Saint-Jacques. After the (long) fight of the inhabitants in the 1970s to save this small typical district of old Nivelles from the appetites of real estate developers, this beautiful neighborhood spirit was indeed extended by the constitution of a “Free Commune”.
The first “mayor”, appointed in 1993, was Zéphirin Gillain. And since then, in addition to having a mayor, Nivelles also has a mayor, who lives in Petit Saint-Jacques and therefore resides a few steps from the “official” town hall. There was Joseph Vandaele, Joseph Dumont, Arthur Grandjean, Jacqueline Hoyoux, Marcel Monbaliu and there is, since 2017, Daniel Houze. This weekend, the facade of the latter’s house was also barred with a large “Town Hall” banner, with an appropriate decoration in blue-white-red. Not to give a little French taste, but because it is also regarding the colors of Nivelles.
Saturday morning, in the streets where second-hand dealers were installed, a brass band was present and a procession was organized to mark this 30th anniversary of the Free Commune. In his speech, Daniel Houze recalled the words of his neighbor Zéphirin Gillain, known as Fifi, who hoped that the Free Commune would constitute a symbol that might be renewed over the years. And indeed, it has now lasted for three decades, dotted with memorable memories and initiatives to enhance the identity of the district.
“Partying together is the best way to create conviviality”confirmed the mayor. And this recommendation was followed to the letter throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, Daniel Houze also received, from the festival committee, an enlarged souvenir photo, showing him in full exercise of his mandate as mayor. “Because you are also our best neighbor”, greeted the members of the committee. The Petit Saint-Jacques is not only the summer ducasse, but also the Halloween party, the neighbours’ party, an annual dinner…
“It’s a neighborhood where there are a lot of tenants and therefore renewal, young couples who stay for a few years and then moveexplains the president, Christine Max. But the conviviality is quite spontaneous. Often, when the weather is good, some locals take out a table, then the neighbors arrive to chat and have a drink. The inhabitants try to keep this neighborhood spirit, which is also respected when it comes to the renovation of houses. There are also very few dilapidated dwellings. Sometimes, you have to remobilize your energies a bit, but when the ducasse arrives, you find this friendly and spontaneous mobilization, even on the part of those who are not members of the committee.
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