Dendermonde's Katuit giant procession faces uncertain future due to severe weather warnings

Dendermonde is in a state of deliberation throughout the day regarding the Katuit, its annual procession of giants. The primary concern is whether the event can safely take place this evening, as weather forecasts remain volatile. The Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) has issued a code yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms, creating a climate of uncertainty.

City officials and participants are experiencing tense hours as they await a definitive decision. The weather outlook is unfavorable, with predictions of thunderstorms casting doubt on whether the Katuit can proceed as planned or if a shortened version will be necessary. "Today is a very important day for Dendermonde, because our giants are going out and many people have worked on this for months and have also looked forward to it for months," said Mayor Dierick (CD&V).

The city administration's main focus is the safety of all involved. The Katuit procession includes participants walking alongside floats, some of which are pulled by horses. The giants themselves also pose a potential risk during strong gusts of wind, according to the mayor. "We are monitoring all risks and assessing how we can limit them as quickly and effectively as possible," the mayor stated, emphasizing that Katuit is a popular festival attended by people of all ages, but safety remains paramount.

The city administration has committed to providing updates as soon as more information becomes available regarding the event's progression. All possible scenarios are being prepared to address the unpredictable weather conditions.