Tiense Bakers' Union seeks volunteers for totem bakers: "Bakers are getting older, there is little succession"

The Tiense Bakkersbond is seeking volunteers to assist in baking traditional totem men, bread shaped like a Christmas child, during the holiday season. As the current bakers age, they require support to continue this centuries-old tradition. The baking will take place over four days at Torekesplein in Tienen, with shifts of three bakers each. Last year, 4,000 totem men were produced, highlighting the scale of the effort. This practice is recognized as Intangible Heritage, dating back to the 16th century, and the organization hopes to recruit 20 to 25 volunteers, regardless of baking experience, to help preserve this cultural legacy.