In 1999, Atanase Périfan and the “Paris d’amis” Association launched the “Immeubles en Fête” activity in France. Its slogan: Pas de quartier pour l’indifférence [No place for apathy]!

Its aim: to strengthen neighbourhood ties, develop a feeling of belonging to the same neighbourhood, create closeness among neighbours, and counteract isolation and exclusion.

In 2003, the first edition of “Immeubles en Fête” was launched in the Brussels Region in the framework of European Neighbours’ Day. Success was imminent; over 10.000 Brussels’ residents took part in the activity. The next year, thanks to the support of numerous participants who sponsored the activity, the second edition was extended to the national level, involving all Belgians.

Over the years we have built up a solid communication network that allows us to spread information to the largest number of people. Also, a network of people who commit themselves every year to making this day possible in their neighbourhoods and motivating more and more people to join the event.