Sunday marks the beginning of the three-day traditional Binche Carnival, known as the “Fat Days.”
The people of Binche will dance and parade in the Grand-Place on 2, 3, and 4 March to drive away winter. An estimated 150,000 visitors are expected over the three days in the city of Gille for the festive celebrations. In 2003, UNESCO recognised the Binche Carnival as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The festivities on Sunday, 2 March, will start at 8:00 with the “collection” of carnival participants in fancy costumes. Carnival parades will be a highlight in the afternoon, followed by musical round dances in the evening. Monday, 3 March, will be dedicated to traditional “Youth Day,” leading up to “Fat Tuesday” with a thousand actors and Gilles in folkloric costumes adorned with feathered hats. The streets of the city will come alive with parades, round dances in the Grand-Place, drumming, and carnival music over the three festive days.
A comprehensive security plan will be implemented, requiring close coordination between the police, emergency services, and event organisers. A mobility plan, including provisions for people with reduced mobility (PMR), will also be developed. The City of Binche will offer free shuttle services connecting local villages to the city centre.
The Belgian Red Cross announced it will deploy its largest preventive healthcare operation in Wallonia for the Binche Carnival, involving 240 first responders. Starting this Sunday, the premises of the Athénée de Binche will be transformed into the headquarters for the teams until Wednesday morning. The Red Cross teams will set up a field hospital there, with seven five-person intervention teams patrolling the crowds to attend to potential emergencies.
