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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Carnival of Binche


The carnival of Binche is an event that takes place each year in the Belgian town of Binche during the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday ( occurs 46 days before Easter - Resurrection Day)
The centrepiece of the carnival's proceedings are clown-like performers known as Gilles.Appearing, for the most part, on "Shrove" Tuesday, the Gilles are characterised by their vibrant dress, wax masks and wooden footwear.The honour of being a Gille at the carnival is something that is to be aspired to by local men.From dawn on the morning of the carnival's final day, Gilles appear in the centre of Binche, to dance to the sound of drums and ward evil spirits away with sticks.

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