Aalst and Dendermonde’s Historic Feud Recognized as Heritage

The centuries-old rivalry between the Flemish towns of Aalst and Dendermonde, whose inhabitants affectionately call each other ‘Ajoinen’ (onions) and ‘Kopvleesfretters’ (head meat eaters), has been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The recognition, formalized on June 2, 2026, adds the feud to De Grote Verzameling, the Flemish platform for intangible cultural heritage, and is expected to boost regional tourism through unprecedented cooperation between the two historic rivals.

A Feud Like No Other

The initiative was spearheaded by De Draeckenieren, a folklore society from Aalst, with support from Erfgoedcel Denderland and DIJK92. According to VRT NWS, the recognition formalizes a tradition that has evolved from a serious medieval conflict into a beloved, ludic rivalry that defines local identity.

“Today we officially recognize what we have known here for centuries: the beautiful feud between Aalst and Dendermonde is no trivial neighborly conflict,” said Aalst Mayor Christoph D’Haese (N-VA). “No hatred nor aggression. Just two cities with a healthy conviction that the other has just a bit too much self-confidence.”

Dendermonde Mayor Leen Dierick (CD&V) responded in kind: “Aalst just still cannot swallow the fact that we have more prestige. And all because of a 12th-century tax.”

Medieval Origins

The rivalry traces back to the 12th century, when Dendermonde began imposing tolls on ships traveling via the Dender River to Aalst. This gave Dendermonde a significant economic advantage that persisted for centuries. As VRT NWS reported in a 2020 background article, the conflict deepened as Dendermonde repeatedly received prestigious institutions that Aalst was denied: Napoleon granted Dendermonde a courthouse, William of Orange established a military barracks there, and King Leopold I routed the Brussels-Ghent railway through Dendermonde rather than Aalst.

The Folkloric Revival

While the historical roots were serious, the modern feud took on a playful character in 1952 when three Aalst students attempted to steal Dendermonde’s Ros Beiaard — a massive wooden horse that parades once every decade. The failed heist sparked a folkloric “horse war.” The following year, Aalst introduced its own parody horse, the Ros Balatum, during its famous carnival procession.

Since then, the rivalry has been kept alive through a steady stream of pranks and provocations. In what became known as “Ajuingate” in 2020, Aalst carnivalists dumped onions in Dendermonde, prompting the city to temporarily ban onion sales in its center. Other stunts have included the kidnapping of the Aalst Carnival Prince, an archaeological dig in Dendermonde that “unearthed” a hobby horse, and a renovation of the Aalst Belfort featuring a Dendermonde horse head.

Tourism and Cooperation

Remarkably, the recognition has led to practical cooperation between the historically rival cities. According to P-Magazine, a cycling route called ‘Van Ros tot Ros’ has been launched, connecting the Ros Balatum in Aalst with the Ros Beiaard in Dendermonde. A walking route, ‘Over ajuinsoep en paardenkracht’ (About Onion Soup and Horse Power), features guides from both cities who take good-natured jabs at each other’s towns along the way.

Sarah Smeyers (N-VA), Aalst’s Alderman for Heritage, told VRT NWS: “The feud is unique, just like the special sense of humor and stubborn character of the people in the Dender region.”

Why Not UNESCO?

While the feud has earned recognition at the Flemish level, UNESCO recognition was previously ruled out. Jorijn Neyrinck, a member of the UNESCO assessment committee, explained that “a tradition that revolves around rivalry does not qualify for recognition.” The relationship between UNESCO and Aalst has been strained since Aalst Carnival was removed from the UNESCO intangible heritage list following controversy over Jewish caricatures.

What’s Next

The recognition marks a unique moment in Flemish cultural history. What began as a serious medieval conflict over tolls and prestige has evolved into a beloved tradition with official status. The joint tourist routes represent a new chapter, though both mayors insist the playful rivalry will continue. As Mayor D’Haese put it, having been jeered by 5,000 Dendermonde residents during a Ros Beiaard procession: “What a pleasant day that was!”

For now, the ‘Ajoinen’ and ‘Kopvleesfretters’ can continue their centuries-old banter — with the satisfaction of knowing their unique tradition is officially recognized as heritage worth preserving.