Ichtegem is preparing for its annual Saint Martin's Day celebration, highlighted by the 45th Beet Parade on Friday, November 6, 2026. Starting at 6:30 PM, the parade will wind through the village center, with children carrying their own illuminated Saint Martin's beets. The procession will feature performances by fanfare De Ware Vrienden, folk dance group De Hovelingen from Gistel, the Royal Stilt Walkers of Merchtem, and the magical vehicles of Ron Jaluai. The giant Saint Martinus and cobblestone layer Mutse will also be present.
The parade route starts and ends at Huis Dekeyser, passing through Engelstraat, Melkerijstraat, Tramstatie, Sint-Bertinuslaan, De Pinne, and Koekelarestraat. Children participating with decorated beets can win prizes in the 'most beautifully decorated beet' competition, organized by the Gezinsbond. The award ceremony will take place after the parade in the garden of Huis Dekeyser.
Beets can be collected from local farmers: Luc Bonny (Oostendesteenweg 108, after 6 PM), Tom Staelens (Ruidenbergstraat 30), and Steven Verplancke (Mexicostraat 62). A beet is eligible for the competition if it is hollowed out, contains a light, is decorated with eyes, nose, and mouth, and is carried in the parade.
Following the parade, a folk festival will take place around the Saint Martin's bonfire in the garden of Huis Dekeyser. The program includes a performance by the Royal Fanfare Sint-Cecilia Ichtegem, a 'Smoefeldorp' (food village) with snacks and drinks provided by local associations such as KSA-Bij Tijl en Lamme, Meisjeschiro, Ichtegem Feest, KBK Ichtegem, Tramstatiecomité, Oudercomité Vrije Basisschool De Schatkist, Vriendenkring Gemeenteschool De Bever, and Gezinsbond. There will also be a small carousel, the award ceremony for the shop window competition, and musical entertainment with 'Op eigen risico' (At your own risk).
Other Saint Martin's Day activities include a workshop on 'cutting Saint Martin's beets' organized by the Gezinsbond. On Sunday, November 8, they will also host a Saint Martin's Day celebration with a visit from Saint Martin and Piet. On Saturday, November 14, the Saint Martin's walk by running club Presto is scheduled. Additionally, films from 'Ruus Buus Buus' will be shown to get everyone into the festive spirit.
