Melancholy engulfs Belgian town as annual carnival gets cancelled

Gulf Today Report 

It's the time of the year for the carnival that has been labelled as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

One of the highlights of the carnival festivities is the vibrant costumes of ostrich feather hats and wax mask of performers known as Gilles.

However, the coronavirus has forced the country to cancel one of Europe’s oldest surviving street carnivals. 

Karl Kersten, a tailor of Gilles de Binche costumes. AP

This year came with empty streets, zero sound of drum rehearsals and closed cafes due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"All the inhabitants in Binche live and take part in the carnival," said Daniel Pourbaix, who heads the association for the protection of Binche folklore. "So when there is no carnival, everyone is sad."

The carnival has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and normally draws thousands of aficionados. It takes place during the three days before Lent, reaching its climax on Mardi Gras when the Gilles characters with their green spectacles and thin moustaches dance to the sound of brass and clarinets. 

A Gilles de Binche throws an orange during the Binche carnival in 2013. AP

However, the traditions of the carnival were not completely ignored. Binche residents have been invited to set up mimosa displays close to their windows and wear Gilles face mask.

Karl Kersten, a fourth-generation tailor of Gilles costumes, spends all year preparing for the carnival season and rents about 1,000 costumes during the festivities. This year, his shelves are full.

To help artisans go through these difficult times, Binche’s folklore association set up a solidarity fund.