60,000 people watch the fight between Saint George and the Dragon in Mons on Sunday

60,000 people watch the fight between Saint George and the Dragon in Mons on Sunday

The Ducasse ritual festivities in Mons ended at Midday on Sunday with the so-called “Lumeçon” fight between Saint George and the Dragon. It took place on Mons’ Grand Place. The ritual festivities had started on Saturday evening with the “Descente de la Châsse (shrine) de Sainte Wadru”. Around 60,000 people watched the fight, despite the rain. Mons residents look forward to the Ducasse event all year. It started on Thursday, more or less everywhere in the city of Doudou. Its popularity was proven on Sunday, with the Ducasse ritual events. It has been recognised as an oral piece of Human cultural and immaterial heritage by UNESCO since 2005.

According to Mons authorities, around 60,000 people were present at around 12.30pm to watch Saint George, accompanied by the “Lumeçon” characters, Devils and Chins-Chins, White Men and Leaf Men, Firemen and Police, defeat the Dragon. He eventually killed it by shooting it .The traditional “Doudou” tune was playing in the background.

The combat was preceded by several events, including the Car d’Or Procession on Sunday morning. Around 1,600 participants in traditional costume took part. Mons is a European Capital of Culture this year. The Mons Ducasse festival will continue on Monday and Tuesday. Around 250,000 people take part in the traditional Mons event every year.

(Source: Belga)


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