Kermesse - Outdoor Celebrations for the entire community

 1590 Gillis Mostaert (1528–1598) Village Kermesse

Kermesse, a festival or fair, is a Dutch language term derived from 'kerk' (church) & 'mis' (mass) originally denoting the mass said on the anniversary of the foundation of a church (or a parish). Such celebrations were regularly held in the Low Countries & also in northern France, & were accompanied by feasting, dancing & sports of all kinds. Now called "Kermes” in Germany, & “la quermes” in Spain, by any name it has come to mean a small community carnival featuring games of chance & skill, music, refreshments, entertainment, laughter, & fun.

Unknown Artist of the Flemish School The Kermesse Of Saint George

Circle of Marten van Cleve  (c. 1527-b. 1581)  A Village Kermesse

Circle of Marten van Cleve  (c. 1527-b. 1581)  A Village Kermesse

 David Teniers the Elder (1582-1649) Village Kermess

 David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690) A Country Kermesse

 Jan Steen (Dutch artist, 1626-1679)  A Village Revel 1673

Lucas van Valkenborch or van Valckenborch (Flemish painter, c 1530-1597)  A Village Kermesse

Petrus Paulus Rubens (1577-1640) La Kermesse ou Noce de village

 Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1525-1569) Village Dance

Pieter Brueghel Younger (1564-1638)  The Kermesse of St George

Lucas van Valkenborch or van Valckenborch (Flemish painter, c 1530-1597) Rural Festival in the Landscape

Circle of Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542-1601).  A village festival with elegantly dressed figures in procession