Binche

binche

The most famous attraction of Binche is the carnival. It has a long tradition. There is evidence of a carnival parade as early as 1395. Since 2003, the carnival has been included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. The Binche Carnival lasts three days. The climax is Mardi Gras Tuesday, the only day the Gilles parade through the streets in their elaborately crafted traditional costumes, throwing oranges at the crowd.

Gilles Day

Mardi Gras Tuesday is Gilles Day. It starts for the Gilles early in the morning at four o'clock. Because then the stuffers come to the homes of every Gil to stuff the top of the costume with straw, which gives it a plump, plump appearance. Six drummers and a timpani player pick up the fully dressed Gilles. The groups grow larger and larger as they approach the city center as the morning progresses.
All Gilles gather for the dance of honor on the town hall forecourt. They are still anonymous, hardly distinguishable from each other, because a rosy wax mask with green wire-rimmed glasses and broad whiskers and mustache. On the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday, the Gille takes off his mask and puts on his flowing feathered hat. Each Gille begins to dance their very own mask dance. Hundreds of Gilles are now dancing a great Bengal fire. Then they throw oranges from their braided baskets into the audience.