Carnival of Binche

5.0

Address

Rue Saint-Moustier 10, 7130 Binche, Belgium

Website

http://www.museedumasque.be/

Telephone

064 33 57 41

Fun Facts

1. "The Carnival of Binche, Belgium dates back to approximately 14th century, making it one of the oldest carnivals in the world."
2. "Designated UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage, it honors Gilles, iconic clowns in masks, harking back to medieval jesters."
3. "Gilles throw oranges into the crowd, a gesture believed to bring good luck, resulting in an unusual event known as the 'Orange Battle'."
4. "The Gilles wear elaborate costumes covered in ostrich feathers, each weighing up to 15 kilograms."
5. "For three days, before Ash Wednesday, the city of Binche substitutes its public lighting with torch-light to create a magical atmosphere."

Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The highlight of the Carnival of Binche is the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which typically falls in the month of February. During these three days, the town is alive with festivities such as public displays of traditional music and dances with locals donning traditional Gilles costumes. So, plan your visit around this time to experience the Carnival at its peak.

2. Entertainment: Catch the Gilles, known as the heroes of the carnival. It's a spectacle to see them throw oranges into the crowd as a symbol of good luck. Also, take note of different events like the Kids' Carnival (usually a week before the main festivities) and the Mardi Gras procession where each Gille carries a basket filled with oranges.

3. Money-Saving Tips: Purchase your souvenirs, like replica Gilles masks or Binche Carnival posters, from local street vendors for a cheaper alternative compared to touristy shops. Also, keep in mind that events within the Carnival are largely free to attend, which makes the entire experience more budget-friendly.

4. Dining: Make sure to try out local specialties during your visit. The local breweries offer a variety of Belgian beers, including the traditional Binchoise beer. Also, it would be amiss to not sample the Lacquemants, a popular local version of waffles during the Carnival.

5. Itinerary Planning: Plan to arrive a day or two before the actual Carnival days to familiarize yourself with Binche. Visit popular spots like the Binche town hall, Saint Ursmer Church or the Binche Museum (Musée International du Carnaval et du Masque) to learn more about the Carnival's history.

Reviews

1) Positive Review: The customer praised the Carnival of Binche for its vibrant energy, traditional mask displays, and exciting music. They had a wonderful time engaging with locals and tourists alike, highlighting the event's cultural richness and communal spirit.

2) Positive Review: Another customer was thrilled with their experience, expressing admiration for the captivating Gilles parade with its authentic costumes. They appreciated the history and tradition embedded in the festival and suggested it was an absolute must-see in Belgium.

3) Constructive Feedback: While the customer loved the atmosphere, they emphasized that the event could benefit from better organization and clear signage. They found it challenging to navigate through the crowd and identify key festival attractions.

Nearby POI

Google Map

Théâtre Communal, China Town, Librairie de la Reine

AI

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