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Carnival of Binche

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A vibrant scene from the Carnival of Binche in Belgium, showcasing traditional costumes and celebration.

The Carnival of Binche is a happy and colorful festival that happens in Binche, a town in Hainaut, Belgium. It takes place each year on the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday.

People love this festival because of its fun traditions. One of the most exciting parts is the performers called Gilles. They wear beautiful costumes in the national colours of red, black, and yellow. During the parade, the Gilles throw oranges for the crowd to catch, which brings good luck.

Because of its long history and special traditions, the Carnival of Binche was named a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. It is also protected as important intangible heritage of the French Community of Belgium.

The carnival starts with music, dancing, and parades in the weeks before the big day. It is a time for everyone to enjoy and celebrate together.

Images

People celebrating at the Carnival of Binche wearing traditional Gilles masks.
A medieval castle in Binche, Belgium, showcasing historic architecture.
Celebrants in traditional carnival costumes with colorful hats and ostrich feathers during the Binche Gilles festival.
A lively 18th-century painting by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo showing people dancing and celebrating at a carnival.
Binche, Gilles wearing their masks.

Related articles

Ash Wednesday
Orange (fruit)
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Carnival of Binche, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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