Nieuwpoort Commemorates Battle and Witch Jeanne Panne, But Cannons Stay Silent

Nieuwpoort, Belgium, hosted a vibrant festival weekend that merged the commemoration of the 1600 Battle of Nieuwpoort with its Witches' Festivals. The event brought history to life with 150 re-enactors and 130 extras populating the city center and Leopold II Park.

The city center's focus was on the life of Joanne De Deyster, known as Jeanne Panne, who was born in 1593, accused of witchcraft, and executed in 1650. A theatrical walking tour depicting her life attracted many visitors, alongside demonstrations of old crafts. Mayor Kris Vandecasteele participated, wearing a costume inspired by the city's first historical mayor.

In Leopold II Park, the preparations for the Battle of Nieuwpoort, fought on July 2, 1600, between the armies of Maurice of Nassau and Albert of Austria, were recreated. Soldiers, horses, and cannons set the scene, but the cannons remained silent as gunpowder was prohibited.

Mayor Vandecasteele explained that while permits were obtained, the imposed conditions made the use of gunpowder practically impossible, following advice from prevention advisors. This decision led to significant criticism from the opposition.

The Jeanne Panne witch story was first staged in 2023, while the commemoration of the Battle of Nieuwpoort has a longer tradition, dating back to 2000.