Burn the Church ! - Otto M. Schwarz

In the 16th century, Lille was part of Spanish-ruled Flanders, governed by Charles V and later Philip II. The region was shaken by civil, independence, and religious wars. Philip II persecuted Protestants, who were labeled as heretics and "the Wretched." On August 15, 1566, an uprising occurred with numerous plunderings in the region. On December 26, 1566, 400 "Wretched" attacked Wattrelos and defended themselves the next day in the cemetery and in the church. The Catholics set the church on fire, where many "Wretched" burned or fled. Some managed to escape with the help of the inhabitants. Wattrelos commemorates this event annually in September with the "Berlouffes" festival. During this festival, dolls are thrown from the church tower, and a large doll is burned.

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