The Kattenstoet

In Ypres, every three years the Kattenstoet (Cat Parade) takes place. This historical and folkloristic parade originated during the 1950s, but the link between Ypres and cats is several centuries older. The Ypres Museum plans a project to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of the parade. However, during the preparations an interesting opposition came to light. While the museum viewed the parade as intangible heritage, the organizers viewed it as a living tradition aimed at a large audience. More importantly, the organizers assumed that by recognizing the parade as heritage, the identity of and control over the parade would change. By engaging in a dialogue and taking time to build up trust, both partners were able to overcome these oppositions and design a project that will safeguard the heritage while maintaining the current identity of the parade as an everchanging event, aimed at a broad audience.