The legendary Binche Carnival festivities kicked off on Sunday with the launch of the 2024 edition marking its 20th anniversary as an event recognised by UNESCO as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Over 1,200 performers will take part parading during the festival over the next three days. On Monday the focus is dedicated to youth and on Tuesday – the most significant day – the traditional Gilles costume parade takes place in Binche’s Grand Place.
The first grand carnival procession is scheduled for 16:00 this Sunday.
The famous carnival in Binche is expected to attract thousands of attendees, and marks the beginning of a series of carnivals across Belgium in the following weeks.
Among the notable guests invited by the city’s authorities is French director Marion Rousse. The director of the Women’s Tour de France will advance Tuesday’s festivities, thus echoing the departure stages of the Tour de France from Binche in 2019 and 2022.
Other guests include Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, who will be accompanied by a delegation from the Order of Friends of Manneken Pis, Charleroi Mayor Paul Magnette, the Vice President of the French-speaking Community of Belgium Frédéric Dardenne, Federal Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder, and the Wallonia budget and finance Minister Adrien Dolimont.
