2023-08-26 06:00:36
A festive weekend: the program
Celebrated since the Middle Ages, the Ducasse d’Ath owes part of its fame to its giants. These behemoths of more than 100 kilos, several meters high, which travel and dance thanks to “carriers”, come out several times. After “burning his maroons” on Friday, the giant Goliath (“Gouyasse” in patois) is getting married on Saturday. This day is dotted with “ritual” moments. At noon, “Julienne“, the big bell of the church of Saint-Julien, announces the official start of the party. The wedding of Goliath (Gouyasse in patois) with Madame Goliath takes place in the followingnoon. Around 3:00 p.m., the future spouses parade and dance from the town hall to the church of Saint-Julien, where “vespers” are celebrated. Return to the Grand Place around 5 p.m. for the “combat” of David once morest Goliath, the high point of the day. The young shepherd , played by a little Athois, confronts the giant. The protagonists recite a dialogue, “the Bonimee”, before their traditional wrestling. If the Shepherd wins the fight (like last year…), the couple of giants dances once once more under the “vivas” of the crowd. In families and in restaurants, we bring out the traditional pie, the “Masteilles“, a culinary specialty prepared exclusively for the Ducasse. Concerts and a torchlight parade are planned for the evening.
Sunday is reserved for the traditional procession. Departure at 9:45 a.m., opposite the station. Seven giants, eight allegorical floats, brass bands and historical groups parade through the streets of the city until early followingnoon. The Bayard horse, which weighs more than 630 kilos, dances and rears up in several places. It is carried by sixteen men. Bayard celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
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