27/29.- Flanders, Mechelen, Maneblussers

Tradition has it that the inhabitants of Mechelen are not very bright (a reputation entertained by their rivals from neighboring Antwerp).  A story tells that the town was woken one night because Saint Rombouts Tower was on fire -- while actually, it was the moonlight that was reflected in its windows.  As a result, Mecheleners are nicknamed "Maneblussers" or "Moon-extinguishers".

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