The legend of Bruges Zot. The story of the Brugse Zot goes back to the medieval legend about Emperor Maximilian of Austria. The people of Bruges, however, find it difficult to accept the strict rule of their new ruler. Taxes are high and there is a climate of discontent and revolt.
When Maximilian comes to Bruges in the spring of 1488 to suppress an uprising, the people of Bruges take their prince prisoner. Once released, Maximilian takes revenge by forbidding parties and fairs. To pacify him, the people of Bruges hold a big party in his honor, in which they let a colorful procession of exuberant revelers and fools pass by. Afterwards, they ask him for permission to hold annual fairs again and to build a new madhouse. Maximilian's answer? "Close all the gates of Bruges and you have a madhouse!"
Since then, the nickname of the people of Bruges has been 'Brugse Zotten' and this is also reflected several times in the history of the city. By launching the city beer 'Brugse Zot', the De Halve Maan brewery reminds the people of Bruges with a wink of their history.
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