Around 30 groups took part in Charleroi's Carnival parade on Saturday. Approximately 700 participants dressed in handmade costumes, painstakingly crafted over several weeks, enlivened the city centre streets.
The grand parade took place mid-afternoon, followed by the 'burning of the crow', symbolising a purging of dark thoughts and joyful transition into spring.
These are components of a revitalised folklore in the city, first introduced in 2016 by the regional cultural centre, L'Eden. This new representation aims to offer a more diverse and inclusive spectacle than the traditional carnival.
Credit: Charleroi / Olivier Bourgi
In the run-up to the event, participants were provided access to a large upcycling space, where they designed and created their intriguing parade costumes.
Traditionally, the Carnival and parade are organised on the same day – Shrove Tuesday. However, changes to the school timetable in 2024 have allowed for the first-time separation of these two cultural events.
Credit: Belga / Mathieu Colinet
