About this Event
The Carnival of Binche is one of Europe’s oldest and most extraordinary carnivals, with a history dating back to approximately the 14th century in Wallonia, Belgium. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2003 and inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is best known for its legendary Gilles. The 2027 edition will once again transform the historic walled town of Binche over three days, culminating on Mardi Gras with hundreds of Gilles in costume, music, dancing, and the famous orange-throwing parade.
Date & Time
February 7–9, 2027 — Carnival of Binche 2027 takes place from Sunday 7 to Tuesday 9 February 2027, from Shrove Sunday through Shrove Tuesday. The carnival culminates on Mardi Gras, Tuesday 9 February, when the Gilles appear in full costume.
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Venue & Location
The carnival takes place throughout the historic centre of Binche, Grand Place, 7130 Binche, Hainaut, Belgium, in the walled town southeast of Mons. The main parades, dances, and gatherings are centred on the Grand Place and the streets of Binche Old Town, with the International Carnival and Mask Museum nearby.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
Full Programme & Schedule
Sunday, 7 February – Shrove Sunday (Dimanche Gras)
Shrove Sunday opens the main carnival celebrations, with costumed groups, musicians and traditional processions filling the streets of Binche.
- 09:00 – Cagnottes (costumed groups associated with carnival societies) dance and parade through the city.
- 15:30 – Carnival societies reform and begin their musical procession from Avenue Wanderpepen, near Parc Derbaix, towards Avenue Charles Deliège.
- 18:00 onwards – Carnival groups continue dancing and celebrating in the streets.
- Late evening – Traditional round dances bring the musical celebrations towards their conclusion.
Monday, 8 February – Shrove Monday (Lundi Gras)
- Morning – Youth groups parade through the city.
- Afternoon – Children’s activities and carnival celebrations take place throughout the town.
- Late afternoon – The Rondeau de l’Amitié (Friendship Round Dance).
- Evening – Festivities continue with traditional music and fireworks.
Tuesday, 9 February – Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
Shrove Tuesday is the highlight of the Carnival of Binche, featuring the famous Gilles and other traditional carnival characters.
- 10:00–12:00 – Medal ceremony and official carnival celebrations.
- Afternoon – The grand carnival procession features Gilles wearing their impressive ostrich-feather hats, accompanied by drums and traditional music.
- Evening – Final carnival celebrations and traditional dances.
We recommend that you confirm the proper schedule on the official website, or you can contact us for information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When is Carnival of Binche 2027?
Carnival of Binche 2027 will take place from 7 to 9 February 2027, Sunday to Tuesday. The main day is Mardi Gras, Tuesday 9 February, when the Gilles parade in full costume.
What is a Gille at Carnival of Binche?
A Gille is the main character of the Carnival of Binche. Gilles are local men, traditionally born in Binche, who wear elaborate padded costumes in red, black, and yellow, wax masks in the morning, wooden clogs, and huge ostrich-feather hats in the afternoon. They dance through the streets to drum music and throw oranges to the crowd.
Why do the Gilles throw oranges at Carnival of Binche?
Throwing oranges is one of the most famous traditions of Binche. The Gilles throw blood oranges from wicker baskets into the crowd during the Mardi Gras parade, and catching an orange is considered good luck. It is a gift, not a fight, so visitors should enjoy the spectacle and not throw oranges back.
Do I need tickets for Carnival of Binche?
Watching the parades and street celebrations in Binche is free, with crowds lining the Grand Place and Old Town streets. Some indoor events, balls, and museum visits may be ticketed, and the town gets very busy on Mardi Gras, so arrive early for a good viewing spot.
How do I get to Binche for Carnival and where should I stay?
Binche is in Hainaut, southern Belgium, southeast of Mons and around an hour from Brussels by train and bus. Many visitors stay in Binche, Mons, Charleroi, or Brussels and travel in for the day. Accommodation in Binche books up very early for carnival, so book hotels and B&Bs well in advance, dress warmly for February, and wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones.
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