The story
The most wonderful cities in the world are founded upon a myth, and Antwerp is no exception. Legend has it that, to cross the Scheldt River, you first had to pay a toll to a fearsome giant, named Druon Antigoon. Whenever sailors on the Scheldt river refused to pay the toll to the giant, he punished them by cutting off their hand. A Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo slayed the giant, cut off its hand, and tossed it into the Scheldt River. Given that the Dutch for "hand thrown" is "hand werpen", the city’s name was born. So, the "hand" has become the symbol of Antwerp and it is looked upon like an official shield of Antwerp. There are excellent cookies and different types of chocolates in the shape of a hand. This artisanal product is recognized by the European Union as "guaranteed traditional specialty".

Public design contest
Antwerpen Koekenstad takes you to the world of cookies and chocolate with exhibitions, two tasting tours (Antwerp Chocolate Week and Antwerp Pateekes Week) and the ‘Antwerpse Handjes’ illustration contest. Antwerpse Handjes (Little Hands from Antwerp) are wellknown local treats: cookies or chocolates stuffed with marzipan or praliné. We challenge you to make your own version. Are you over 16 years old and passionate about illustration? Then send in your design based on the template and take a shot at 3000 euros of prize money. The best contributions will be featured on posters throughout the city, and the winning design will also be printed on a unique cookie tin. In this folder and on facebook.com/antwerpshandje you can see a selection of contributions from the past editions. This year’s theme is friendship. Be inspired and send your digital design to antwerpsehandjes@gmail.com before 8 January 2018!

The template and more information can be found on the website: antwerpenkoekenstad.be/antwerpse-handjes

Winners Public Contest

Natan Bylois, Belgium – 2016 Winner
Natan Bylois, Belgium – 2016 Winner
Elisabeth Roggeman, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Elisabeth Roggeman, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Elihu Duayer, Brazil - 2014 Winner
Elihu Duayer, Brazil - 2014 Winner
Blande Overlaet, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Blande Overlaet, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Antonio Juan Sánchez, Spain - 2016 Winner
Antonio Juan Sánchez, Spain - 2016 Winner
Maarten Arys, Belgium - 2014 Winner
Maarten Arys, Belgium - 2014 Winner
Stephanie Gerdon, Belgium - 2015 Winner
Stephanie Gerdon, Belgium - 2015 Winner
Sanne Vanderkrieken, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Sanne Vanderkrieken, Belgium - 2016 Winner
Ben Peeters, Belgium - 2015 Winner
Ben Peeters, Belgium - 2015 Winner

Feel like taking part in the competition?

SUBMIT YOUR OWN ILLUSTRATION

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