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Ducasse d'Ath

UNESCO-reuzenstoet met 7 reuzen, het paard Bayard en de strijd van David tegen Goliath; 2026 brengt de vijfjaarlijkse rondeau des geants.

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Marketing angleinferred

Promote UNESCO-listed giant procession as a cultural tourism draw, especially the 2026 five-yearly grand parade featuring 7 giants and the legendary horse Bayard.

Relevance 35medium intent
  • Discover Belgium's UNESCO giant festival: 7 towering characters and centuries of tradition
  • Plan your 2026 pilgrimage to Ducasse d'Ath's legendary rondeau des géants
  • Behind the giants: the folklore and craftsmanship of Europe's most iconic parade
Programme

Ath's Ducasse is a recognized folkloric event at the heart of Wallonia, held on the 4th weekend of August. Dating to the 15th century, the Ducasse features the famous Giants of Ath, with Goliath (Gouyasse) conducting his fiancée to the altar of Church Saint-Julien for their wedding. The afternoon sees David defeat Goliath in a legendary battle, culminating in the traditional tarte aux mastelles (Gouyasse tart). Attracting over 50,000 visitors, this multi-day parade features the giants being carried by a single porter per giant, with each weighing more than 100kg.

Part 1

Friday 21 August (Esplanade)

Part 2

11:00 – Great rehearsal of Ducasse songs with carillon and brass instruments

Part 3

Saturday 22 August

Part 4

12:00 – "Julienne" bell rings, official start of festivities

Part 5

15:00 – Goliath and his Lady dance to Church Saint-Julien for wedding vows (Vêpres Gouyasse)

Part 6

Saturday 22 August (evening)

Part 7

17:00 – David's battle with Goliath at City Hall

Part 8

18:00 – Carillon concert

Part 9

20:00 – Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin concert

Part 10

21:00 – Torch-lit parade of Mont Sarah cannon through city streets

Part 11

Sunday 23 August

Part 12

09:45 – Grand cortège departs from station with 7 giants, 8 allegorical floats, fanfares and historical groups, arriving at Esplanade around 14:00

Part 13

Monday 24 August

Part 14

Continuation of festivities on Esplanade (traditional closing day)

Part 15

Families and folklore enthusiasts

Part 16

~50,000+ visitors

Part 17

all-ages event combining religious tradition, medieval storytelling and community celebration

  • A cortège featuring 7 giants, 8 allegorical floats, fanfares and historical groups departing from the station and arriving at the Esplanade around 14:00
  • The great rehearsal of Ducasse songs to the carillon and brass instruments, followed at 12:00 by the great bell "Julienne" of Saint-Julien Church announcing the official start of festivities
  • Goliath and his Lady escorted in dance to Church Saint-Julien for wedding vows, followed by David confronting the giant in a duel (the "Bonimée" dialogue), after which the giants perform their traditional dance
  • Evening carillon concert, Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin concert, and a torch-lit parade of the Mont Sarah cannon with participants singing an air from Muette de Portici
  • Tasting of the Masteilles tart (made of macaroon and almonds), traditionally eaten with Burgundy wine once a year
  • The final rondeau of the giants on Ernest Cambier square, with the space redesigned with reduced depth and a new diamond-shaped layout for 2026
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