The Ducasse d’Ath: A Controversial Transformation into a Fantastic Devil

2023-08-25 04:49:00

The Ducasse d’Ath, the subject of controversy in recent years around the character of the Savage, which caused him to lose his registration by Unesco on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is back this Friday. This year, the controversial character will turn into a fantastic devil during the procession.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Ducasse of Ath is held every fourth weekend of August. Characterized by a parade of processional giants, floats and historic groups, this parade attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Controversy

In recent years, the presence of the “Savage” among the extras, an actor in the folk procession created in 1873, had sparked controversy, once morest a backdrop of accusations of racism. In order to ease tensions, it was decided that this character would not wear his chains and the ring placed in his nose in 2022. A citizens’ commission has been set up. In its conclusions, it was oriented towards the deletion of the “Savage” in favor of its original name, namely the Devil.

“The Savage, as we know him, will be present at the start of the procession. It will evolve along the procession and there will be a surprise at the end of the parade. I can’t say more for now. This fantastic devil will no longer have a human appearance. This new presentation model will be fully effective during the 2024 ducasse“, announced the mayor of Ath, Bruno Lefebvre.

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