Binche
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Binche is a city and municipality of Wallonia, in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. Since 1977, the municipality consists of Binche, Bray, Buvrinnes, Épinois, Leval-Trahegnies, Péronnes-lez-Binche, Re
Binche, the old city and its surrounding wall
The remaining walls of the medieval castle of Binche
The Gilles, clad in their costumes and wax masks, wielding sticks used to ward off spirits
The Gilles wearing their hat with ostrich feathers on Shrove Tuesday
Gilles
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The Gilles are the oldest and principal participants in the Carnival of Binche in Belgium. They go out on Shrove Tuesday from 4 a.m. until late hours and dance to traditional songs. Other cities, such
Binche
…in Belgium. It takes place around Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) just before Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter). Performers known as Gilles wear elaborate costumes in the national colours of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw oranges at the crowd. In 2003, it was recognized…
The Gilles, clad in their costumes and plumed hats