"Fonske" in Leuven - Fountains on Waymarking.com

Located by St Peter’s Churchand the Fochplein, the statue nicknamed “Fonske” (‘fons’ being the Latin for fountain) stands. It depicts, possibly a student pouring water over his head while reading from a book. This ‘fountain of knowledge’ may be a representation of student life in Leuven. Studying and drinking (beer). Or is he being brainwashed?

In the posted image, Fonske is not pouring out water over his head, because he is dressed in one of his many costumes. This is in celebration of the friendship club, The Mannen van het Jaar (The Men of the Years), for men aged 40 to 50. The club is broken up int smaller groups according to the year that they were born. Those born in 1955 will now have to step down from the club and become ‘Abrahams’ (retire). In commemoration, Fonske is sporting their attire. Other costumes can be seen on display in the Raadskelders- located in the basement of the Town Hall.