Here we go again with another year without celebrating the Carnival of Binche due to Covid. The Binchois have a heavy heart again this year, and can’t wait for this tradition to come back hopefully next year. The Binchois live for this tradition they prepare all year long. It is a way of living for them.
Every year, the Carnival starts on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday like it is in New Orleans. It is a three-day event full of music, friendship, food and beer.
Sunday is the most colorful day of the carnival. All the different groups wear costumes they spent creating and preparing in secret. It is always a big surprise to see what they come up with. Sometimes, I have to ask what the costumes are about.
On Monday, the people from Binche spend the day in family. Monday is dedicated mostly to the youth. They will meet at the Grand Place where they will offer oranges to the people on the streets. In the evening, they meet again for fireworks display.
Mardi Gras is the most busy day. Most groups wear the traditional gille costume with its yellow, black, and red colors which are the colors of the Belgian flag. During the day, they will also wear those beautiful ostrich feather hats. They will dance to the sound of the drums and trumpets and throw oranges to the happy crowd. I have to say, it is sometimes, a little scary, because you never know if the gille throw the orange a little too hard and get in your face. They really do try to be gentle, but it happens.
The carnival ends with this beautiful fireworks on Mardi Gras, but that does not mean the party is over, it just means it is the end of the carnival. People will laugh, eat, drink, and enjoy new friendships.
I can only hope that the Binchois’ hearts will heal with time, and I can’t wait to be there next year to finally celebrate the carnival