The Bayard Steed dates back to the 15th century and the three Giants were created in the 17th century. The Saga of the Bayard Steed and its four riders has its origins in a medieval chanson de geste told throughout most of Europe. For years and years, Aymon, Lord of Dendermonde, lived in disagreement with his lord, Charlemagne. The four sons of Aymon continued this fight, counting on the loyal services of their horse, Ros Beiaard. After years of war and fighting, Charlemagne delivered an ultimatum of peace in exchange for Bayard. The faithful horse was drowned at the confluence of the Dender and Scheidt rivers. However, Bayard is very much alive in the Parade of the Bayard Steed. Every ten years, the horse and its four riders hold their triumphal procession through the town. Dendermonde is the only place in the world where the heroic horse forms the central theme of a historic parade (with 2,000 participants and 100,000 spectators).
On the last Thursday of August, the three historical giants lndiaan, Mars and Goliath parade through the town, accompanied by 1000 actors dressed in mediaeval attire.

Le 25 novembre 2005, l’UNESCO inscrivait les géants et dragons de Belgique et de France parmi les chefs-d’œuvre du Patrimoine oral et immatériel de l’Humanité. Peu après, en 2008, ils étaient inscrits sur la Liste représentative.
Dix ans plus tard, nous proposons de faire le point sur les effets de l’inscription des géants et dragons lors d’une journée d’études organisée par la Maison des Géants à Ath, le samedi 28 novembre 2015. Des chercheurs venus des villes concernées sont invités à faire part de leurs réflexions.

Timbre-Poste sur les Pêcheurs de crevettes à cheval à Oostduinkerke, Belgique