Carnaval de Binche
UNESCO-erkend carnaval met de befaamde Gilles die op Vette Dinsdag in historisch kostuum sinaasappels uitdelen op de Grand-Place.
Leverage UNESCO-recognized Carnaval de Binche's iconic Gilles tradition and Mardi Gras spectacle to drive tourism, hospitality bookings, and cultural experience marketing across Belgium and Europe.
- Behind-the-scenes of the historic Gilles costume and orange-throwing tradition
- Travel guides: Plan your Carnaval de Binche experience—accommodation, dining, and event highlights
- Cultural heritage spotlight: UNESCO recognition and centuries of Belgian carnival tradition
- Influencer takeovers from the Grand-Place during Mardi Gras festivities
The Carnaval de Binche 2026 is a UNESCO-recognised celebration held 15–17 February in the medieval town of Binche, Belgium. Rooted in 14th-century traditions, this three-day pre-Lenten festival mobilises the historic centre with costumed performers—particularly the iconic Gilles wearing wax masks, straw-stuffed costumes, and feathered hats—who parade through streets accompanied by drums, brass bands, and folklore groups. The carnival culminates in orange-throwing rituals, ceremonial dances, and a fireworks finale on Mardi Gras, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually from Belgium and abroad.
January 2026 (Pre-carnival)
Sunday 4: First battery rehearsals begin; Sundays 11, 18, 25: soumonces en batterie (drum & violin parades with local societies); Weekend balls: ADL children's ball (17 Jan), Jeunesse Socialiste (24 Jan), Jeunesse Libérale (31 Jan)
February 1–8
Music-based soumonces on Sundays 1st and 8th; Monday 9 Feb: Nuit des Trouilles de Nouilles (iconic evening event)
Dimanche Gras, 15 February
From 8 a.m.: Travestis, violes (violins) and tambours parade throughout the city; 1–2 p.m.: folklore groups join (Chic Types, Mervellouses, Sales Djônes, Ladies Binchoises, Commissaires); children receive oranges at distribution points
Lundi Gras, 16 February
Day traditionally for youth and children's activities; music and folklore groups; fireworks in evening
Mardi Gras, 17 February (Peak Day)
From dawn: Gilles, Paysans, Marins, Pierrots and Arlequins in wax masks parade through streets; 7:45 a.m.: assembly and official reception at Grand-Place/Town Hall; 3 p.m.: Grand cortège departs place de Battignies with Gilles in full ostrich-feathered regalia; Gilles throw oranges along the route; 5:30 p.m.: Rondeau (sacred circle dance) on Grand-Place; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Dimanche Gras: 8 a.m. start with travestis, violes (violins) and tambours roaming the city
- Lundi Gras: traditionally dedicated to the young
- Mardi Gras remains the absolute pinnacle
- Mardi Gras from dawn: Gilles, Paysans, Marins, Pierrots and Arlequins parade in traditional wax masks, assembly at Grand-Place with official reception from the mayor
- From 3 p.m.: Grand cortège departs from place de Battignies toward Grand-Place
- Gilles in ostrich-feathered hats throw oranges throughout the route
- arrival around 5:30 p.m. for the rondeau circle dance
- Evening rondeau at Grand Place with fireworks finale
- Pre-carnival Sundays in January (11th, 18th, 25th): soumonces en batterie—parades of drums, violins and local societies