Gilles of Binche Carnival

In 2003, 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.

Sunday Gras
Costume parade, violas and drums. Afternoon: parade of the carnival societies.
Departure from the station, direction avenue de Burlet, avenue Wanderpepen, avenue Charles Deliège and dispersal of the parade on the Grande Place.

Monday Gras
The children parade and join the Binches in a rondeau of friendship on the Grande Place. Orange throwing. After that, the societies go to the square in front of the station.

At 7pm: fireworks on the square in front of the station.

• 8 and 15 January: drums and percussions rehearsal in the centre of Binche
• 21 January: ADL children's dance at the Salle du Kursaal
• 22 and 29 January: the Soumonces perform in the centre of Binche
• 28 January: young Socialists dance at the Salle du Kursaal
• 4 February: young Liberals dance at the Salle du Kursaal
• 11 February: young Catholics dance at the Salle Saint-Ursmer
• 5 and 12 February: Soumonces and music in the centre of Binche
• 13 February: "Nuit des Trouilles de Nouilles" (Horror Night) in the city centre

On Mardi Gras:

• at 9am: promenade of the Gilles, Farmers, Pierrots and Harlequins. Departure from the station, direction rue de Robiano, rue de la Gaieté and arrival at the Grande Place. Reception at the city town hall where Gilles and Farmers wear their traditional wax masks
• from 3:30pm to 6pm: Parade of the Gilles, Farmers, Pierrots and Harlequins. Departure from Avenue Charles Deliège, in front of the statue of the Farmer, towards the Grande Place. The Gilles wear their plumed hats and throw oranges along the route. Arrival on the Grand Place and rondeau
• from 7:30pm: Parade with Lights and rondeau
• around 9:30pm: fireworks!

Visit our partners' webpages

• Flower Carpet
• Chamber Music Concerts at the Seneffe Castle Organgerie
• The Dour Festival
• WEEKEND OF EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY