DAY-4 – Celebrating Villainous Characters: Reclaiming Power at “The Succubi Fair”

In recent years, witches have become icons of empowerment, embraced by feminist movements as symbols of resistance and transformation. But the allure of the witch and other so-called “villainous” figures extends beyond feminism-queer communities, too, have found inspiration in these magical, monstrous archetypes. “The Succubi Fair” in Brussels is a vibrant celebration of this reclamation, inviting everyone to embrace their inner enchantress and challenge the narratives that once demonized them.

Witches, Queerness, and the Power of Community

Historically, the figure of the witch has been used to stigmatize women and those who defy societal norms, often blending misogyny with fear of the “other.” As Silvia Federici and others have shown, the witch hunts of early modern Europe were deeply tied to shifts in power, gender roles, and social control, targeting women who held knowledge or influence within their communities. Today, artists and activists are reclaiming this iconography, transforming the witch from a symbol of fear into one of collective strength and creative resistance.

Queer communities, in particular, have recognized the potential of these figures. Many of the “monstrous” or “villainous” characters from childhood stories-witches, enchantresses, and other magical beings-were coded with queer traits, often to mark them as outsiders or threats to the status quo. By embracing these characters, queer people are reclaiming narratives that once sought to marginalize them, turning villainy into a celebration of difference and resilience.

A Day of Magic, Art, and Performance

“The Succubi Fair” offers a full day of activities that blend art, literature, and performance:

• Queer Bookshop (14:00–22:00): A pop-up bookstore by maelstrÖm reEvolution, featuring queer literature and zines.
• Queer Art Market (14:00–19:00): Showcasing ceramics, photography, linocuts, illustration, and illustrated poetry.
• Oracle Readings: With Fen D. Touchemoulin, inviting visitors to explore their destinies.
• Book Signings & Instant Poems (14:00–17:30): With Camille Pier.
• Writing Workshop “Witchcraft and Queerness” (15:00–17:00): Led by Clémence en flammes, exploring the intersection of magic and queer identity.
• Open Stage & Performances (from 19:30): Poetic, slam, and drag performances by Marie Darah, Rachele Gusella, Camille Pier, Visceral Vice, and Clémence en flammes, with priority for workshop participants.

Rewriting the Narrative

By celebrating villainous and magical characters, “The Succubi Fair” challenges the binary of good versus evil that has long characterized representations of supernatural women in literature and pop culture. Instead of seeing witches and monsters as threats, the event invites participants to recognize the subversive power of these figures-to see them as sources of inspiration, community, and transformation.

This movement is part of a broader trend in contemporary art and activism, where rituals and performances serve as acts of resistance and collective healing. By gathering in a space that honors difference and creativity, participants reclaim not only the stories of witches and villains but also their own right to belong, to resist, and to enchant the world anew.

Event Details

• Location: Grands Carmes, Rue des Grands Carmes 20-22, 1000 Brussels