Belgium Events and Festivals

2/22/2009 - 2/24/2009Carnival of Binche

One of Europe's oldest surviving street carnivals takes place in the medieval town of Binche. Rich in folklore and tradition, the carnival occupies the three days to Shrove Tuesday (Mardi-Gras) during which period the carnival celebrations completely dominate the historic centre of this town entertaining thousands of spectators. The elaborate preparations commence as early as six weeks before the carnival proper with the production of lavish costumes, drum rehearsals and themed balls. On the Sunday (Dimanche-Gras), Binche's streets and cafes fill with roving bands of masked merrymakers and men dressed in extravagant feminine attire. By Tuesday (Mardi-Gras), the famous Gille characters emerge after elaborate dressing ceremonies. Hundreds of them wear red, yellow and black costumes with ostrich-feather hats, wooden clogs, bells and wax masks with small spectacles. The Gilles parade through the town to the beat of the drum, followed by pierrots, harlequins, peasants, costumed revellers and marching bands. There is music and folk dancing, reaching a climax on the Grand-Place with an evening display of fireworks.