2011-03-08
(Archive)
Binche Carnival
Each year during the three days preceding Lent, the medieval town of Binche in Belgium's French-speaking Wallonia region hosts a jovial carnival celebration. Throngs of foreign visitors intermingle with masked revellers and local brass and clarinet bands.
The event starts with the public drum rehearsals and the ceremonial
"dressing" of the legendary Gilles character, the emblem of both the
carnival and the town of Binche. Groups of townsmen sporting magnificent
costumes replete with ostrich-feather hats parade through the town to
the beat of the drum. Pierrots, harlequins and peasants follow the
procession. Dancers perform an assortment of fancy steps including the
perennial favourite, fittingly called pas du Gilles.
The
Binche Carnival stands out as one of the oldest surviving urban
carnivals in Europe, and features on the UNESCO Heritage list.
When: 6 - 8 Mar 2011
Where: Binche, Belgium
From: whatsonwhen.com
last modification: 2011-02-22
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