It’s the most anticipated Tuesday of the year in Binche. Mardi gras, the most important day of the carnival. In addition, the party, in full force, has not taken place since 2020. The procession begins this followingnoon, from 3 p.m.
The collection started very early this morning in Binche. In procession, the Gilles and their relatives go from house to house. With each time, the traditional glass of champagne. “We are very excited because we had two carnivals which did not take place because of the covid“, indicates Dominique Dufour, Gille de Binche and President of the company “Les Incorruptibles”.This year, two companies joined at home. So it’s a double pickup. If we keep going, I think we’re going to have to expand the house.“
For Magali, Dominique’s wife and also Gille’s mother, the morning is also busy. But it’s a moment close to his heart. “We prepare them for a whole night and they have to be comfortable in their costume“, she says. “It takes us between 30 and 45 minutes.“
The “Incorruptibles” then set off to pick up the other girls from the company. The morning aubade punctuates each addition to the group An air that brings back memories. “I was raised in it“, says Romain, a former Gille. “There is a lot of emotion, a lot of fun.“
When the collection is over, Gilles’ various companies arrive at the main square in Binche, where a warm welcome is reserved for them.
After oysters and salmon to restore their strength, the Gilles finally put on their illustrious mask for a roundel. They will finish the morning at the town hall to receive a medal according to their seniority.
At 3 p.m., place for the procession during which the Gilles will obviously distribute oranges and will wear their traditional hat with ostrich feathers.
A second procession will take place in the evening before the big fireworks display to close the festivities.
