In addition to Lommel's sand-scattering, bread culture, diamond processing in Flanders, the use of braille, bee skep weaving, and the sea consecration of Zeebrugge have also been added to the inventory. These practices are now officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
For Lommel, this recognition signifies a special appreciation for a tradition that has been part of the local cultural life and the city's identity for generations. The commitment of many involved helps keep this tradition alive.
With this inclusion on the Flanders Inventory, Lommel's sand-scattering receives official recognition and an incentive to further make this special heritage practice visible, preserve it, and pass it on.
The official felicitations were received in Leuven by Theo Grobben and his wife, Alderman for Heritage Dirk Vanderhoydonks, and Evelien Dirix from Erfgoed Lommel. They represented the many volunteers, heritage caretakers, and residents who cherish the sand-scattering tradition.
In the April issue of the City Magazine, sand artist Theo Grobben had previously spoken about this typical Lommel art form.
