The Carnival Celebrations

The Walloon traditions are still very much alive and manifest themselves throughout the seasons. The end of winter and the spring mean it's carnival and confetti time!

Wallonia (A few words on Wallonia) has a rich tradition when it comes to popular festivals. It is closely related to its wealthy folklore, which has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. According to the region or sensitivity of its inhabitants, this folklore becomes ducasses, walks, processions, bonfires...

Walloons know how to organise celebrations - no unbridled festivities without limits, but serious celebrations based on collective rules of tradition INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL AND MASK MUSEUM (BINCHE), a privileged occasion to return to the essence, to revive collective experiences, to confirm an identity and friendliness.

Long ago, from Candlemas onwards, masks invaded the Walloon streets. Going from home to home, they played the game of Intrigue at friends' and acquaintances' houses. They brought joy during long winter evenings.

These shared festivities also took place in Emael, Malmedy (CARNIVAL IN MALMEDY - CWARMÊ (MALMEDY)), Stavelot (CARNIVAL OF THE BLANCS-MOUSSIS- LAETARE OF STAVELOT (STAVELOT)), Tournai (CARNIVAL OF TOURNAI - FEMMES (TOURNAI)), Binche (CARNIVAL OF THE GILLES OF BINCHE (BINCHE)) and many other villages in the centre of Hainaut. However, up until recently these festivities weren't as remarkable and sumptuous as they are nowadays.

Why don't you join us and celebrate with us!

The Belgian Tourist Office : Wallonia and Brussels

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Carnival Festivities

Cultural Agenda

The Carnival Celebrations

The Walloon traditions are still very much alive and manifest themselves throughout the seasons. The end of winter and the spring mean it's carnival and confetti time!

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