Belgium Events and Festivals

2/01/2009 - 3/31/2009Mid Lent Carnival

The Ardennes town of Stavelot is where the peculiar Blancs Moussis exercise their festivities during Lent. Wearing hooded white gowns and Pinocchio-like masks, they parade through the town amid much festivity and merriment. Their origins go back to the 15th century and they are a parody of the monks of that time who were forbidden from celebrating the carnival because of their alleged excessive laziness. On Sunday morning, the lazy monks wander the streets of the town putting up their irreverent posters. In the afternoon there is a grand procession with floats. A great deal of confetti is thrown around, some of it fired from cannons, as the Blancs Moussis take delight in showering the crowds.