Binche Carnival, Belgium

Binche Carnival, Binche, Belgium. On Shrove Tuesday, the local Gilles parade through the centre of town. This is the only day of the year when the Gilles wear their elaborate costumes, including brightly decorated shirts and trousers (the shirt is stuffed with straw), and wooden clogs. Preparations begin around 3am, with guests arriving at the Gille's house, and drummers who then lead the Gille around town, stopping at houses to pick up more Gilles, and at several cafes and bars along the route, and later putting masks on. In the afternoon the Gilles wear enormous hats decorated with ostrich plumes, and throw small oranges to the crowd as they march to the main square. The Binche Carnival is inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. © Rudolf Abraham