2023-12-10 13:14:00
There was a commotion this Sunday morning at Place Cardinal Mercier in Jette. Engines roaring, and laughter. All the passers-by stop, some take photos. It must be said that the show is enough to make you smile: around fifty Santas were gathered… on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
”It’s been three years since we last did it. There was covid, and last year the weather was too bad,” organizer Toche Defrijn explains to us. “I extended the invitation, and there was immediate enthusiasm.” The thunderous procession of multiple Santa Clauses began its journey in Jette around noon, made a tour through Laeken and Wemmel before returning to Jette.
Toche Defrijn, organizer. ©Ro.Ma.It has arrived, the Christmas season has begun: the majestic fir tree sits on the Grand-Place in Brussels (PHOTOS AND VIDEO)
A tradition found in America
On site, we find mainly people from Brussels. Among them – they wouldn’t miss the event for anything in the world – are the Brusseleirs Bikers. “Last year it was canceled. But with Edouard, we still dressed up and, in the snow, we went for a walk. You are a biker or you are not!”, says Benoît in his Santa costume, and who had participated in the first editions of the procession leaving from Etterbeek. “People are really nice to us when we are Santas. We should dress up all year round,” laughs the Koekelbergeois. “The tradition of Santa Clauses on motorbikes is much bigger abroad. In America, motorcycles are even more decorated than here.”
The Brusseleirs Bikers, Edouard and Benoît, were present. ©Ro.Ma.
A machine attracts attention with the richness of its ornaments: a reindeer’s head, bells, a Santa Claus on a ladder… And on the saddle: a child. “I really like Harleys,” smiles young Deborah, who can now ride her father’s car. “Decorating them takes us several days. The red covers were made by a friend, who covers armchairs. Every year, we add things,” says Catherine.
Catherine, André and Déborah ©Ro.Ma.
“The Harley is a whole spirit”
The Zaventemian has also now taken the plunge and is riding her own Harley. “It’s great to ride with several people. And then, the Harley is quite a spirit.”
The majestic Christmas tree on the Grand-Place in Brussels decorated… by a company from Braine-l’Alleud: “always a pleasure and an honor” (PHOTOS)
Christophe, from Jette, is also new to the group. “I bought my motorcycle in September. I broke down.” Besides the vehicle itself, Jettois especially likes the atmosphere and this kind of camaraderie. “I already participated in another event recently. There are quite a few here in Brussels. The Harley is different from any other motorcycle. There is a kind of sympathy and goodwill between the bikers.”
Christophe, from Jette, has just bought a Harley. ©Ro.Ma.
The profits from this Sunday’s event will be donated to the non-profit organization Pinocchio, which helps children with burns from all over the world.
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