In the heart of the Belgian coast, a De Pannea pub has transformed into an unusual arena: the European seagull call imitation championship. In its sixth edition, the event brought together over 70 participants from 15 countriesconfirming itself as one of the most eccentric competitions in Europe. Between costumes with feathers, fake beaks and improvised wings, entire families and competitors of all ages are there challenged with “shrieks” studied down to the smallest detail. The atmosphere is that of a collective show where irony and participation mix without barriers.
@reuters Contestants faced off in the Belgian coastal town of De Panne at the annual European seagull screeching championship, which brought together over 70 participants seeking to produce the best imitation of the bird’s distinctive shriek. #seagull #screech #imitation #championship competition
♬ original sound – Reuters – Reuters
How to win
The competition is not just improvisation. Each performance is evaluated by a jury who awards up to 15 points for the quality of the verse and others 5 points for the stage performance. Therefore, not only is the sound resemblance to the seagull’s call important, but also the ability to interpret it, involve the audience and construct a real scene. The result is a competition halfway between theater and vocal competition, where the skill lies in making the animal credible without slipping into caricature an end in itself. However, there are no economic rewards: the real prize is the symbolic recognition and the right to boast the title of best European imitator.
An event that went viral throughout Europe
In recent years the championship has transcended local borders thanks to social media. Videos of the performances and clips of the most successful imitations have helped transform it into a small viral phenomenon, attracting more and more curious and international participants. The event has thus consolidated itself as a permanent event, capable of combining entertainment and scientific curiosity in an unexpected way.
@cgtneurope Contestants from across Europe gathered in De Panne on Sunday for the annual European seagull screeching championship, with more than 70 participants competing to mimic the bird’s distinctive call. The sixth edition of the event featured entrants from 15 countries, with competitors of all ages — many in seagull-themed costumes — performing inside a local pub to cheers from the crowd. The contest aims at changing the image of seagulls, which are often seen negatively by the public. #Belgium #DePanne #Seagull #Competition #Europe #QuirkyNews #Festival #Fun #Events
♬ original sound – CGTN Europe
Behind the game, a message about urban animals
The organizers underline that the initiative is not just a comedy show. The goal is also to rehabilitate the image of seagullsoften perceived as invasive birds in tourist cities, accused of stealing food and causing a disturbance. In reality they are part of the sonic identity of coastal places. From this perspective, the race becomes a way to change our gaze on a species that is much more complex than it seems.
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