Bathtub Regatta: Belgian Icons Float Down the Meuse River

Over 200 participants in the Belgian city of Dinant competed in a regatta with bathtub rafts adorned with national symbols. The race, which began in 1982, continues to thrive, featuring colorful themes and rewarding each competitor. This year's theme highlighted Belgium's cultural icons.

More than 200 participants took part in an annual regatta on the Meuse River in Dinant, Belgium, riding bathtub rafts festooned with iconic national symbols such as the Manneken Pis statue and the Atomium landmark.

The quirky race has its roots in 1982 when a local shopkeeper, inspired by a radio story about an Italian man drifting down a river in a bathtub, catalyzed the event by placing bathtubs outside local shops. The tradition has endured for over four decades.

This year's theme celebrated Belgian culture. Participants donned costumes of beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, and decorated their rafts accordingly. Safety regulations require that at least one bathtub on each raft touches the Meuse River. Despite the risk of sinking—two rafts didn't finish the race—every participant received a medal or trophy, with special awards for creativity and theme.

(With inputs from agencies.)