Carnival celebrations in Binche mark 20 years of UNESCO recognition

At dawn on Tuesday, to the beat of drums and accompanied by pipes, the gathering of the Gilles in traditional costume began in Binche. Mardi Gras is traditionally the biggest and most popular day of the Hainaut town’s Carnival celebrations.

After a traditional breakfast of oysters and champagne, the performers were received by the town’s authorities. A grand procession, with the Gilles wearing ostrich feather hats and offering oranges to the crowd, set off at 15.00. The participants gathered for traditional celebrations in the Grand-Place at 17.30 ahead of fireworks to mark the end of the carnival.

Some 1,200 performers took part in the festivities in Binche, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its recognition as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. 

^{© BELGA PHOTO / VIDEO ERIC LALMAND}

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