Neighbors get to know each other during neighborhood party

BERCHEM During the third edition of 'Feest in het Gebouw' (Party in the building), neighborhood residents are organizing a party in their district on their own initiative. The intention is for four million neighbors in various cities across Europe to celebrate at the same time, thus building a pleasant living environment. With a snack and a drink, the residents of Jan Moorkensstraat and Stanislas Leckebusstraat in Berchem also want to strengthen social ties. In 1990, a group of friends in France came up with the 'Paris d'Amis' initiative. They felt that neighbors in big cities talked to each other too little and therefore organized a neighborhood party in Paris. The idea received international follow-up and grew into a European neighbors' moment. In Flanders alone, there are 200 registrations, but according to the organization, there are many more individual initiatives. In total, they hope to get more than 200,000 participants on their feet. Snack and drink Parish representative Ann Raemakers from the non-profit Feest in het Gebouw explains: "Everyone chooses how to organize their neighborhood party. Some people provide a snack, others bring a drink. The party is held in the hall or on an inner courtyard. People are curious to see who has come to live near them. The non-profit only provided posters and invitations via bookstores or the website." The residents of Jan Moorkensstraat and Stanislas Leckebusstraat in Berchem did not let this opportunity pass. Ed Herkes and his housemates sent out more than 200 invitations in the neighborhood. They decorated their house with balloons, had a clown come, and provided snacks and drinks. Organizer Ed Herkes: "It is a small opportunity to get closer and build a good bond with your neighbors. This way we can get to know each other in a relaxed manner. We have received nothing but positive reactions." His neighbor Eric Spruas confirms: "I have been living in this street for nine years and know most people only by sight. Now we finally got to talk to each other. It is also fun for the children to get to know each other." (AVV) Photo : The neighborhood party that Ed Herkes organized in Jan Moorkensstraat was a hit with the neighbors.