The first figures for the 2015 Carnival drawn up by the Binche authorities are very positive. Like in 2014, around 100,000 people took part over the three days in the city of Gille. The Binche Carnival festivities ended on Tuesday in the early evening, when the carnival actors took part in the final Rondeau, and there were traditional fireworks on the Grand Place at 9.30pm. The first figures drawn up by the Binche authorities are very satisfying.
“Even though the weather wasn’t as good on Tuesday morning, we estimate that around 100,000 people took part in the three days of the festival”, said Marie Lempereur, the Binche town spokesman. “There were no incidents, and there was a very convivial and family-friendly atmosphere”.
Around a thousand Gilles and people dressed-up as characters representing 13 carnival companies appeared over the Binche Carnival weekend. Around 450 police officers from Binche, the surrounding areas and the federal police, as well as 32 firemen from Hainaut brigade, were present to insure security.
The Binche festival was recognised as Oral and Immaterial Human Tradition by Unesco in 2013.
(Source: Belga)
