Carnival of Binche

Origins and history

Records of festivities in Binche go back to 1394, when events were organized to mark the start of the Christian season of Lent. The custom endured through the centuries despite changing political regimes. When mask-wearing was outlawed during Napoleonic rule, the Gilles were first recorded in 1795 as rebellious masked figures. In the modern era, the celebration has gained international recognition, earning a place on UNESCO's list of oral and intangible human heritage in 2003, followed by designation as heritage of the French Community of Belgium.

The Gilles and their attire

Up to one thousand local men, ranging from young boys to elders, participate as Gilles on Shrove Tuesday. Becoming a Gille is a celebrated local honour. Their attire includes wooden clogs, wax masks, and padded suits displaying Belgium's national colours of red, yellow, and black. Later in the day, the performers put on towering headdresses made from white ostrich feathers, which are often rented at high expense. Carrying wicker baskets loaded with fruit, they make their way across the streets while tossing oranges into the surrounding crowds.

How the festival unfolds

Preparations begin up to seven weeks ahead of time, with musical gatherings, rehearsals, and marches held on successive Sundays. The celebration culminates in the three days before Ash Wednesday. On the Sunday before Lent, many town residents dress up in elaborate costumes. The climax occurs on Shrove Tuesday, when the Gilles assemble at daybreak. Guided by the rhythm of beating drums, they dance through the centre of Binche, using sticks to drive away evil spirits before parading through the streets with their gifts of oranges until nightfall.

The gift of oranges

The tossing of oranges during the Tuesday procession is among the most famous elements of the carnival. The fruit serves as a token of goodwill and luck from the Gilles to the spectators who gather along the route. Because the oranges represent gifts, returning them or throwing them back at the performers is considered an insult. The throws can be forceful, and property owners in the town centre frequently cover or seal their windows to guard against accidental damage during the lively parade.

How Carnival of Binche is kept

Celebrations build over seven weeks of Sunday rehearsals, marches, and musical events across Binche. On the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, local residents take to the streets in fancy dress. The festival peaks on Shrove Tuesday, when hundreds of male performers known as Gilles gather at dawn. Dressed in wooden clogs and wax masks, they dance to drumbeats and brandish sticks to dispel malevolent spirits. Later in the day, they put on tall ostrich feather headdresses and parade through the streets, distributing oranges from baskets to the gathered crowds.

When and where

The carnival takes place every year during the three days leading into Ash Wednesday, concluding on Shrove Tuesday. Preludes and street performances begin up to seven weeks before the main festivities on the preceding Sundays.

The festival is held throughout the historic town of Binche, located in the Hainaut province of Wallonia, Belgium. Celebrations focus around the town centre, where performers gather in the streets and public squares.

What Carnival of Binche means

The carnival signals the threshold of Lent, blending festive release with protective folklore. Gilles brandish wooden sticks and dance to rhythmic drumbeats to frighten off evil spirits. The oranges they toss into the crowds represent blessings of good luck, offered as generous gifts to spectators rather than items to be thrown back.

Days Carnival of Binche is marked

Questions people ask about Carnival of Binche

See also

Mardi GrasA festive day of parades and rich foods marking the final celebration before the Christian fasting season of Lent beginsSt. Martin's DayA November feast of lantern walks, bonfires, roast goose and new wineRosenmontagThe peak of German carnival, celebrated with satirical street parades and sweetsCandlemasA Christian feast of candle blessings marking the end of the Christmas season

Good reading and sources

• Carnival of BincheUNESCO, Heritage listing
• Carnival of BincheUNESCO, Article

• Carnival of Binche on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.