One day after the launch of the carnivals in Wallonia as part of the “Cwarmê” in Malmedy, Binche has launched its programme for the traditional three-day carnival this Sunday morning.
The festivities in 2023 are the first since two years of cancellation due to the pandemic. Binche authorities have announced a record edition, both for participation and expectation. The carnival has been recognised since 2003 as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
Activities started with the carnival's actors convening early on Sunday morning. The actors will dance to the rhythm of the drums until the evening "rondeau" (a traditional dance) on the Grand-Place. Shrove Monday (20 February) will be mainly devoted to younger people.
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Celebrations will culminate on Shrove Tuesday, with the traditional gathering of Gilles and other costumed actors at 05:00. They will beat the cobblestones of the streets of the centre of Binche and the Grand-Place until the final rondeau and a great fireworks display that will close the 2023 carnival.
Young Gilles wearing their feathered hats and carrying oranges. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalmand
The Binche authorities have announced several measures relating to mobility and security. The police zone will be on the ground with 450 officers during the three days. A total of 130 Red Cross first aid staff will take shifts throughout the festivities.
Many carnivals will take place in the coming weeks in communes and villages across the region. The carnival of Strépy-Bracquegnies (La Louvière) will take place from 12 to 14 March. The festivities of this folk event were brought to a halt on 20 March 2022 when a car crashed into the carnival procession during the morning meeting of the Gilles, killing six people and injuring around 40 others.
