The Gilles Carnival in Binche

The Carnival of Binche was recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. More than 900 Gilles parade on Mardi Gras. In Binche in 2014

Shrove Sunday 10/02

From 9am: Cross-dressers, viols and drums animate the town.

From 3pm: Place Eugène Derbaix - The Carnival parade sets off.

Shrove Monday 11/02

From 10am: Youth parade accompanied by viols.

From 4pm: Grand-Place - Rondeau of friendship

From 7pm: Place Eugène Derbaix - Fireworks display

Shrove Tuesday 12/02 - Mardi Gras

From sunrise: The Gilles, peasants, Pierrots and harlequins animate the town

From 8:30am: The iconic wax masks appear and reception at the town hall.

From 3pm: Parade and rondeau on the Grand-Place.

From 8pm: Illuminated night-parade and rondeau

From 9:30pm: The Grand-Place is ablaze.

As for the festivities during the run-up tp Shrove Tuesday:

• 13 and 20 January: drums and percussions rehearsal in the centre of Binche
• 19 January: Socialist Youth ball at the Salle du Kursaal
• 26 January: Liberal youth dance at the Salle du Kursaal
• Sunday 27 and Sunday 3rd February: Soumonces and music in the centre of Binche
• 2 February: young Catholics dance at the Salle Saint-Ursmer
• 4 February: "Nuit des Trouilles de Nouilles" (Horror Night) in the town centre

Visit our partners' webpages

• Vlamigrant - Exhibition about Flemish Migration
• Dour Music Festival
• Ehibition - From the Nile to Alexandria: A History of Water
• Chamber Music Concerts at the Seneffe Castle Organgerie
• Expo Renaissance 2.0 - Journey to the Origins of the Web