Since dawn, accompanied by the rhythm of drums, the Gilles and other folkloric characters have begun their house-to-house procession in Binche.
Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the highlight of the carnival in Hainaut. All participants converge on the Grand Place for a reception at the Town Hall starting at 07:45.
The Gilles wear their traditional wax masks in the morning, adorned with green glasses, a moustache, a small goatee, and sideburns.
The grand parade, featuring over a thousand Gilles and other carnival characters, begins at 15:30 at Place Battignies, accompanied by drums and brass instruments.
At this point, the Gilles don their ostrich feather hats and throw oranges to the crowd along the route as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
The Gilles carnivalists pictured at the carnival in the streets of Binche, Tuesday 13 February 2024. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalmand
The parade reaches Binche’s Grand Place around 17:30 for a grand tour.
The evening celebrations commence at 20:00 with a 'lights parade' starting from Avenue Charles Deliège, culminating in a final rondeau at the Grand Place.
A grand fireworks display at 21:30 will mark the end of the official festivities, although the residents of Binche will continue to celebrate into the early hours.
The Gilles carnivalists throwing oranges in the streets of Binche, 13 February 2024. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalman
Since the start of the festivities, the Red Cross has deployed the largest preventive operation in Wallonia, with approximately 240 rescuers mobilised.
A mobility plan has also been in place, with the city of Binche offering free shuttle services connecting the surrounding villages to the city centre.
According to local authorities, around 150,000 people are expected to have attended the three-day carnival in Binche.
