Were live cats thrown from Ypres Belfry Tower?

Every two years, the town of Ypres in Belgium concludes its Kattenstoet festival by throwing plush cats from the Belfry tower. This modern tradition has roots in a much older, and perhaps darker, practice: the throwing of live cats from the same tower in medieval times.

The origins of this peculiar custom are shrouded in mystery, leading to questions about its historical accuracy and the motivations behind it. While the current practice involves harmless plush toys, the historical accounts of live animals being thrown raise concerns about past cruelty.

Radio 2 is delving into the history of the Kattenstoet and the cat-throwing tradition to unravel the truth behind this unique event. The investigation aims to shed light on whether the medieval practice was a harsh reality or merely a persistent legend, and if true, why such an act was carried out.