Discover Benelux | Culture | Carnival
St. Maarten.
Parading through the Benelux TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS
Forget Venice, forget Rio: if one region knows the ins and outs of the world’s most bacchanal celebration, it is the Benelux. Once a year, both big cities as well as small towns go crazy on the costumes, parades and confetti, traditionally as a last escapade before the sober period of Lent kicks in. Breda 2 March – 5 March Breda, the Netherlands In the Netherlands, the traditionally Catholic south goes wild for Carnival. For three days straight, the city of Breda becomes Kielegat, 92 | Issue 62 | February 2019
an Eden for all those who like to party, dress up and scream along with Dutch evergreens. The festive spirit echoes through the historic streets and bars while the parade meanders through the crowded main roads. www.carnavalbreda.nl
come, given that they have been around for six centuries or more. UNESCO even granted them the title of Intangible World Heritage, and we happily second that opinion. www.carnavaldebinche.be
Binche 3 March – 5 March Binche, Belgium Immerse yourself in a sea of orange and white during the folkloristic parade through Binche. The iconic Gilles might remind you of the Italian Comedia del Arte, but are as Belgian as they
Aalst 3 March – 5 March Aalst, Belgium Aalst is the home of ‘de voil jeanetten’, featuring grown men in trashy women’s clothing who often wear a lampshade on their head or push a stroller ahead of them. Together