The city Binche which is located south to Brussels holds, yearly, an annual carnival during the three days before Lent. The carnival attracts thousands of locals and tourists. The event that started in the middle Ages, on the 14th century, is known nowadays as one of the famous street carnivals in Europe.
Thousands of people wear special cloths with giant hates participate in the parades along the city’s streets. Shrove Sunday marks the official start of the events. The coffee houses and the streets fill with thousands of disguised celebrators according to the local tradition of the first day of the carnival. The men wear fancy women cloths. Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodations it is recommended to check hotel rates and book rooms well in advance.
The carnival reaches its climax on Mardi Gras with the appearance of the legendary figure – Gille. The Gilles were known as musicians of Burgundy France in 1400 – 1460.
After an impressive ceremony, hundred of Gilles appear. They wear wooden shoes and black, yellow and red cloths. On their head they put large hats decorated with feathers, on their faces wax masks and little glasses with black frames. On the end of the ceremony, the Gilles march in a traditional parade according to the beats of hundred drums.
While marching they throw oranges on the spectators. Clowns, Jugglers, dancers and wind instruments bands join the parade. The events terminates in the evening in Grand Place with mass dances of the crowd with the Gilles under the colorful lights of the fireworks.
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