Carnaval in Belgium

Filed in archive Destination: Europe on February 12, 2007

Belgium is yet another European country where you can let your hair down and take part in the festivities. Of course, if you're going to go to Belgium for the carnival, you might as well participate in the country's best... the Carnaval de Binche, which takes place on February 26 to 28.

This famous Belgian carnival dates back 400 years. The March of Gilles (on Shrove Tuesday, 20 February), a parade of 800 mustached men dressed in wax masks with green glasses and clogs -- depicting Napoleon III, is a sight to behold. Keep in mind, though, that groups of Gilles will be throwing blood oranges into the crowd. It may be best to avoid wearing something which you do not want covered in blood-red juice and pulp bits.

The Carnaval de Binche is so special (historically and culturally) that it has been given a world-heritage status by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Patrimony of Humanity. Whatever that means... if it's recognized by UNESCO, it should be good enough for you.

So... where exactly is Binche? Binche is a small city in the province of Hainau, 30 miles south of Brussels. It's less than an hour away by train for Brussels and is surely worth the trip.

If you can't book a hotel in Binche itself, you can try nearby towns like La Louvière or Mons. Both towns are around 10km away from Binche and are both easily accessible from Binche.

For more information, check out Visit Belgium.

Pack your clogs, embroidered jackets & masks and take part in Belgium's pre-Lenten bacchanalia.