Colorful flags and special banners from twelve municipalities, each with its own story, can be discovered from December 5 to 13, 2026, at the free exhibition 'Met Vlag en Wimpel' in Kessel-Station. These objects long served as the emblem for associations and organizations, undergoing significant changes in meaning and use over time.
A hundred years ago, almost every association or organization acquired its own flag or banner as a calling card and symbol of togetherness. Their use was entirely in line with the spirit of the times: flags and banners were carried to mobilize their supporters during parades, processions, and various large-scale events, and were also used in internal association activities such as celebration feasts.
From the 1960s onwards, flags and banners gradually lost their function as a means of mobilization. However, they are still cherished today as relics of the past, decorative elements, and especially as lasting symbols of identity. The oldest generation of flags and banners requires careful preservation, as they are fragile heritage objects, marked by their past use and sometimes orphaned after the disappearance of the association or organization to which they belonged.
The exhibition 'Met Vlag en Wimpel' delves into these special stories and showcases an extensive selection of flags and banners from Berlaar, Grobbendonk, Heist-op-den-Berg, Herentals, Herenthout, Hulshout, Lier, Lille, Nijlen, Olen, Putte, and Vorselaar.
In addition to the exhibition, there is more to experience. More details and the program will be announced in the coming weeks.
The exhibition 'Met Vlag en Wimpel' delves into these special stories and showcases an extensive selection of flags and banners from twelve Kempense municipalities.
When? December 5 to 13, 2026, daily from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Where? Kerk Kessel-Station, Emblemsesteenweg 1, 2560 Kessel (Nijlen).
Admission? Free.
Where? Kerk Kessel-Station, Emblemsesteenweg 1, 2560 Kessel (Nijlen).
Admission? Free.
