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".

Travelling exhibition
Giving someone a hand is letting them borrow your hands, or in other words, helping them out. A hand is also often used to greet somebody, which makes it a nice symbol for a friendly gesture. A selection of Belgian graphic artists made in the form of a hand, an illustration on the theme "friendship". These designs will be part of a travelling exhibition, which starts in Antwerp in 2017 to go to Havana (Cuba), Lisbon (Portugal), Namur (Belgium) and other cities.

Facebook: facebook.com/AntwerpHandsExpo

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