The Carnival of Binche fascinates: authentic, it attracts an audience from all over the world.
Between 7 and 9 February, one of the oldest custom of Wallonia will be celebrated in Binche. Recognized in 2003 by the UNESCO as masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity, this folk carnival is worth a visit. According to legend, the gille descended from the Incas would have appeared in costume at the parties organized by Marie of Hungary in 1549. Dressed with colorful and exotic costumes, today’s gilles have perpetuated this parade over the centuries, for the greatest happiness of the inhabitants of the city.
Festivities for small and large
From Sunday to Tuesday, the festivities come together. On the first day, the future balls wear a costume made months in advance in the greatest secret. In music, accompanied by brass and drums, they march in the streets of the city from 7 am. Monday is dedicated to children. Young people dance and dance all day in music. The day ends with a beautiful fireworks.
On Tuesday, the last day of the festivities, the gils wear their traditional costumes. It follows a morning lunch with oysters and champagne. In the evening, a parade illuminated with the bengal fire makes everyone happy before the great fireworks, which closes the festival.
A suit that costs money
About 1,000 people are disguised each year. Yet the costume is expensive. The rental of the habit and hat, which weighs 3 kg, costs 300 euros. For those who prefer to make their costume, the cost is estimated at 600 euros while the hat, consisting of 300 small feathers costs 3000 euros for 80 hours of work.
Practical information:
Getting to Carnival by train:
From 7 to 9 February, SNCB offers a B-Eventing Ticket (code 711) to -50%, valid in 2nd class to go to Binche Station.
Special train:
The SNCB plans for Tuesday 9 February several special trains between Brussels, Leval, La louvière-Sud, La Louvière centre, Braine-le-Comte, – Tubize, Hal, Brussels-Midi and Binche. The connections to Charleroi – Namur – Liège and to Mons – Tournai are in the South Louvière train station.
PMR:
A space dedicated to people with reduced mobility is planned throughout the festival. Contact: [email protected]
Main photo credit: Flickr – Véronique Mergaux
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