Leuven’s Marengo and Jeeskesboom Face Strict Bodyguard Rules..Yearly Market Chaos

Leuven’s Marengo and Jeeskesboom Under Strict Bodyguard Rules

The Leuvense Jaarmarkt returns on September 8, promising lively crowds at Marengo and Jeeskesboom, despite new security rules threatening this beloved tradition.

Marie Dupont15 August 2025Last Update : 13 hours ago

Leuvense volkscafés Marengo en Jeeskesboom moeten bodyguards voorzien tijdens Jaarmarkt of mogen niet open: “Elk jaar nutteloze maatregelen”

www.leuvenactueel.be

The Leuvense Jaarmarkt is set to return on Monday, 8 September, promising another lively celebration for locals and visitors alike. This popular event, deeply rooted in Leuven’s community spirit, draws large crowds to iconic spots like Café Marengo and Café Jeeskesboom in the Diestsestraat. As excitement builds ahead of the festivities, concerns about new security measures are casting a shadow over the traditional atmosphere.

6 Key Takeaways

Leuven Jaarmarkt trekt grote volkstoeloop jaarlijks
Café Marengo klaagt over extra veiligheidskosten
Stad Leuven eist private beveiligers tijdens evenement
Maatregelen beperken feestplezier en verlengen sluitingstijd
Organisatoren overwegen conceptwijziging door strengere regels
Burgemeester Ridouani gaf nog geen reactie

According to Café Marengo’s owner, Stijn Deweerdt, the city’s recent demands for private security guards and stricter regulations threaten to change the event significantly. These changes come with increased costs and restrictions, including an early 8 pm closing time, which many find puzzling given that other city events enjoy later hours. As of 2025-08-15 13:08:00, no official response has been received from Leuven’s mayor, Mohamed Ridouani, leaving organisers and attendees uncertain about the future of this beloved festival.

With the Jaarmarkt approaching, questions arise: How will these new rules affect the event’s traditional charm? And can the cafés adapt to maintain the festive spirit while complying with the new regulations? The answers will shape the experience of Leuven’s biggest annual street party.

Fast Answer: Leuven’s Jaarmarkt on 8 September faces new private security rules and earlier closing times, challenging local cafés like Marengo and Jeeskesboom to balance safety with the event’s festive tradition.

These developments raise important considerations for Leuven’s event culture. Is the increasing regulation protecting the public or dampening community spirit? The concerns voiced by café owners highlight a tension between safety and celebration:

Private security guards now mandatory, adding significant costs for cafés
Early closing time at 8 pm contrasts with other city events allowed to continue later
Organisers fear the traditional live performances and open-air festivities may be curtailed
Possible shift in crowd movement to other venues after official closing, fragmenting the event

These changes reflect a broader trend in Belgian cities balancing public safety and cultural events, prompting debate on how to best support local traditions while ensuring order.

As Leuven’s Jaarmarkt draws near, stakeholders must find common ground to preserve the event’s unique character. Will organisers innovate to meet new demands, or will this mark the end of an era? Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to stay informed and support the cafés that keep Leuven’s festive spirit alive.