On Belgium’s windswept North Sea coast, a small army of horses and fishermen wade through shallow waters in a ritual older than your favorite vintage vinyl. Welcome to Oostduinkerke, where shrimp fishing on horseback isn’t just a quirky hobby – it’s a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure 🏆.
When Horses Outfish Nets
For over 500 years, locals have used sturdy Brabant horses to drag nets through tidal waters, catching tiny gray shrimp while seabirds circle overhead. The catch? Just enough for a paella party – this isn’t industrial fishing, but a living museum of coastal heritage.
UNESCO to the Rescue
After nearly disappearing post-WWII, the tradition got a 2013 glow-up when added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Today, 17 licensed fishermen (and their equine partners) keep the practice alive through demonstrations and workshops 🐴🌊.
\"It’s not about quantity,\" says third-generation fisherman Niels. \"When I’m waist-deep in the sea with my horse, I’m literally riding through history.\"
