The Noirauds

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

Since 1959, Manneken-Pis even dresses himself in their clothes: white hat, black dress, baggy pants with lively color, chains and flashy bracelet charms. A bad joke which continues for years? A symbolism of another age?

The origins

The association Noirauds was created in 1876 to save a day-nursery of Brussels at the edge of bankruptcy. In this period, the exploration and the discovery of the countries of Africa speak to the imagination of people. The disguise as an 'African notable' was ideal to assure the anonymity of the collectors, often good middle-class people and regular customers of the restaurants where they tried to collect money.

Royal association

Years passed and the association spread to the whole country: it helps unfortunate children. In 1959, princess Paola accepted the presidency of this charitable work. The association was then named 'Royal Work of Cradles Princess Paola - African Academy'. Academy? Because since their creation, Noirauds were accompanied by a merry brass band during their annual exit.

ON THE AGENDA : Collection tour of the Noirauds

ON THE AGENDA : Manneken-Pis as Noiraud