Ducasse d'Ath
UNESCO-reuzenstoet met Goliath's huwelijk en het gevecht David tegen Goliath, vierde weekend van augustus.
Leverage a UNESCO-recognized cultural festival in Belgium to drive tourism, hospitality bookings, and local retail during the fourth weekend of August.
- Experience UNESCO heritage: Ducasse d'Ath's giant procession and biblical reenactments
- Plan your August getaway to Belgium's most iconic cultural festival
- Behind the scenes of Goliath's wedding: a 600-year tradition comes alive
The Ducasse d'Ath is a recognised folkloric event held on the fourth weekend of August, dating back to the 15th century, featuring the seven famous Giants of Ath including the emblematic Goliath (Gouyasse) . The ceremony centres on Goliath conducting his fiancée to the altar of Saint-Julien Church for their wedding, followed by an afternoon confrontation between Goliath and the shepherd David . The festival is held in the ancient center of Ath, located southwest of Brussels . [ "Procession of 7 giants and 8 allegorical floats departing from the station at 9:45 am on Sunday, arriving at the Esplanade by 2 pm", "Goliath's wedding ceremony at 3 pm at Saint-Julien Church with Vespers Gouyasse (sacred marriage) sung by Vocalis en Compagnie ensemble and wind quintet", "David vs. Goliath legendary battle and combat dialogue ('Bonimée') at 5 pm, followed by traditional giant dance and tasting of the Masteilles tart (macaroon & almond pastry)", "Carillon concert at 6 pm, traditional concert of Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin at 8 pm, and torchlit cannon procession through city streets at 9 pm", "Friday evening burning of Goliath's ceremonial trousers (padded with hay) by his 'best friends'", "Final rondeau (circle dance) of the seven giants on Ernest Cambier square (repurposed with new diamond layout in 2026)" ]
Friday 21 August
Evening: Burning of Goliath's ceremonial trousers (traditional pre-wedding ritual)
Saturday 22 August
11:00 – Grand rehearsal of ducasse songs with Saint-Julien carillon and brass bands; 12:00 – 'Julienne' bell announces official start; 15:00 – Goliath and his lady escorted by 'Les Bleus' group dance to Saint-Julien Church for Vespers Gouyasse (wedding); 17:00 – Newlyweds return to City Hall for David confronts Goliath combat; 18:00 – Carillon concert; 20:00 – Concert of Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin at Town Hall; 21:00 – Torchlit cannon procession through streets singing 'La Muette de Portici'
Sunday 23 August
9:45 – Procession departs facing train station with 7 giants, 8 allegorical floats, brass bands and historical groups; arrives at Esplanade ~14:00; 15:00 – Early folkloric parade in reverse; evening – Final rondeau of giants on Ernest Cambier square (new diamond configuration)
Monday 24 August
Closing events and celebrations