The Gilles, clad in their costumes and wax masks
The Gilles are the oldest and principal participants in the Carnival of Binche.
There are around 1000 Gilles, all male, some as young as 3 years old. All wear the traditional costume of the Gille.
They go out on Shrove Tuesday from 4AM until late hours and dance to traditional songs.
In 2003, the Carnival of Binche was proclaimed one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
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