In Nivelles, for the very first time, women will be able to participate in a procession hitherto reserved for men. It seems obvious today, but it’s a big change for old traditions.
“One small step for the djote, one big step for the woman“: this is one of the slogans brandished by participants in the carnival of Nivelles. Strong messages for an unprecedented participation, because it is the very first time that women mingle with the crowd of men. “It’s fantastic, this is too great! I’m super enthusiastic, super excited, I’m too proud too, I admit! It’s too cheerful“, launches Florence Janssens, member of the Feminine Cagnotte.
They are regarding fifteen and their presence does not go unnoticed. “It should have been normal for longer than that“, confides a spectator. “It’s super cool. Provided that it continues in the rest of the carnival, because the women of Gilles who follow by giving the oranges, they have the right to party too“, reacts a spectator.
A specific suit
The costume of the participants is not chosen at random. He is a female version of the brotherhood of the pie al d’jote, well known in the region. “It is composed of a toga, as well as a small scarf and a medallion, and of course the small official hat“, describes Hedwige Bertrand, member of the female kitty.
Everything was handmade by the participants themselves. A complete outfit requires regarding twenty hours of sewing.
The granddaughter of an illustrious participant launches the movement
This Saturday, they strolled to the sound of the viol. It was Robert who brought this tradition from Binche to Nivelles in 1982. 40 years later, his granddaughter Pauline decided to include women. “I found it symbolic that it’s me now who brings the girlfriends and who brings a little bit of femininity in there“, confides Pauline Magitteri, president of the female pot.
More than 1,500 people parade in the streets of Nivelles until dawn. Pauline hopes that more and more women will join the cause.