As we walk across the Botermarkt (Butter Market) in Ghent, a towering figure emerges from the crowd during the Ghent Festivities of 2025. Moving steadily from the Town Hall towards us, the giant rises above the sea of people like a living monument. It is the giant likeness of Eli De Rijck, former chief dean of Ghent and long-time dean of the Korenmarkt (Grain Market). De Rijck, who passed away in 2017, had been one of the driving forces behind the festivities for nearly half a century. After his death, his daughter Tineke De Rijck took over his role. Now, she honours her father by allowing him to live on as a ceremonial giant. The giant was officially presented on the opening night at the Korenmarkt and is entered into the “population register” of the city’s giants. Tineke hopes to restore the giants to a more prominent place in Ghent’s public life and dreams of organising a grand Giants’ Ball on the Sint-Pietersplein (Saint Peter’s Square), where all the giants of Ghent and Flanders would gather and dance together. The Eli giant was crafted by a professional giant maker, who remarks that demand for giants is higher than ever. During the Ghent Festivities, Eli stands on display alongside other Ghent giants in the Sint-Niklaaskerk (Saint Nicholas’ Church). The giant tradition is recognised as intangible cultural heritage in Flanders, and several giants and processions are also recognised by UNESCO. With around 1,000 giants across Flanders, this custom dates back to the 12th century and continues to thrive in Flanders and just across the border in France and the Netherlands. 回