| Carnival of Binche Carnaval de Binche | |
|---|---|
 The Gilles, clad in their costumes and wax masks, wielding sticks used to ward off spirits | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Carnival |
| Date(s) | Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Binche |
| Country | Belgium |
| Carnival of Binche | |
|---|---|
| Country | Belgium |
| Reference | 00033 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2008 (3rd session) |
| List | Representative |
The Carnival of Binche (French: Carnaval de Binche) is an annual festival held in Binche, Hainaut, Belgium, during the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday.[1]
The carnival's history dates back to approximately the 14th century,[2] and it is today one of the best known of several that take place simultaneously in Wallonia, Belgium. Performers known as Gilles wear elaborate costumes in the national colours of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw oranges at the crowd.[2][3][4]
Since 2003, the event is recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO,[3] and it is also listed as intangible heritage of the French Community of Belgium.[5]
- ^ Spicer 2008, p. 16.
- ^ a b Dunford et al. 2002, p. 296.
- ^ a b Logan & Cole 2007, p. 223.
- ^ Pateman & Elliott 2006, p. 116.
- ^ "Le patrimoine culturel vivant en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles". www.odwb.be. Retrieved 22 July 2023.