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day · floating · Bouge (Namur) (Hoogten van Bouge) BE

Grand Feu de Bouge

Traditioneel vreugdevuur op de hoogten van Bouge op de eerste zondag van de vasten.

ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.

25
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Celebrate a centuries-old Lenten bonfire tradition in Bouge with local heritage tourism and community engagement activations.

Relevance 25low intent
  • Behind-the-scenes prep of the Grand Feu de Bouge bonfire ritual
  • Local guide to Lenten traditions in the Bouge region
  • Photo/video of the historic fire lighting ceremony
Programme

A well-anchored Walloon tradition celebrating the end of winter and arrival of spring, the Grand Feu de Bouge is one of the most spectacular customs of rural folklore, a convivial and spectacular meeting point. Since 1957, the event features a glowing bonfire with a Winter Mannequin burning at the summit to announce the end of the winter period, though some historians trace its origins back to medieval times. Seven bonfires are lit at various points in Namur and surrounding areas each year.

  • Gathering of dignitaries and folklore/gastronomic societies at salle Le Phénix at 6:20 PM, followed by a procession led by the Bataillon des Canaris departing at 7 PM toward the main bonfire
  • At 7:10 PM, ascent of the Winter Mannequin and ignition of six peripheral fires across Erpent and Namur districts
  • The main bonfire burns approximately 300 m³ of fir fagots that can warm hands for eight days afterward
  • Joyful rounds and encounters with various folklore personalities surround the fire as night falls
  • Musical entertainment and small tastings available during the festivities
  • All spectacles are free of charge
  • "label": "Friday, 20 February 2026",
  • "detail": "Blind test quiz event at salle Le Phénix, 6:30 PM onwards (€8/person including €2 drink credit)"
  • },
  • "label": "Saturday, 21 February 2026 – Pre-event day",
  • "detail": "Pictorial retrospective of the Confraternity screened at salle Le Phénix from 1 PM
  • Fanfare Royale Sainte-Cécile d'Assesse performs at 5 PM"
  • },
  • "label": "Sunday, 22 February 2026 – Main Event",
  • "detail": "6:20 PM: Gathering of personalities, folklore and gastronomic societies at salle Le Phénix
  • 7 PM: Departure of cortège with Bataillon des Canaris and Namur Giants toward main bonfire on Bouge heights
  • 7:10 PM: Winter Mannequin ascent and ignition of six peripheral fires (Erpent-Val, Erpent-Les Bleuets, Erpent-Les Cortils, Erpent-Les Sorbiers, Erpent-Bois Williame, Namur-Citadelle)
  • Fireworks display precedes main bonfire ignition
  • Musical entertainment and refreshments throughout evening"