Lille opens Europe's largest flea market
As RFI notes, the traditional "Lille Braderie" has medieval roots. The first mention of it dates back to 1127. At that time, the fair in Lille was among the five largest fairs in Flanders. Throughout its history, it has changed its name and timing, gradually acquiring traditions. It is not only the largest but also one of the oldest fairs in Europe.
The official opening is always preceded by a traditional morning half-marathon through the city streets, after which at 2:00 PM the mayor officially announces the opening of the "braderie," which continues until 11:00 PM on Sunday.
It is believed that the name "braderie" itself, which has become a common noun in France for this type of sale, originated in Lille. Legend has it that in 1446, two local butchers received permission to sell meat and fried herring at the fair. "Braden" in Flemish means "fried," and the fair itself came to be called "fried."
Today, instead of fried herring, visitors to the fair eat mussels, with the shells being thrown into a pile at the entrance to restaurants. At the end of the fair, restaurants compete to see whose visitors ate the most mussels.
In 2016, the Lille Braderie was canceled due to the threat of terrorist attacks; in subsequent years, it opened on a smaller scale. In 2019, the flea market in Lille returned to its full scale. Enhanced security measures were provided by about three thousand police officers, an air patrol, and rescue services.