Binche is the Belgian city with the reputation of having the most fabulous carnival. I was there last year just before it started and I was already intrigued by the preparations (why were all of the windows protected with chicken wire?), so I decided to had to return on an official carnival day.

So that's what I did last week, and it was pretty remarkable even if -- until further notice -- I still think I prefer the carnival in Dunkerque, about which I posted a report last year.

Anyway, I know that "February in Belgium" is not high on the list of most travelers, but if it does happen to you, I really think that Binche (or La Louvière a few kilometers away) is most certainly worth a few hours of your time. There is a train station, so you can be more intelligent than I was and take the hourly train from Liège or whatever, instead of having to park outside the city limits and walk more than 2 km. back into town.

Anyway, here is what I saw this year: http://tinyurl.com/binchecarnival

Thanks for posting. We were in Belgium last fall and as I was reading in preparation for the trip I saw some references to Carnival in Binche. We saw some pictures of Binche last weekend at a festival in Montreal

Thanks once again for a great photo essay! I am glad that I could enjoy the pictures in the warmth of my kitchen. I am such a wimp when it comes to photographing in the cold!

Once again, Kerouac, you have given us an incredible social commentary and a travel experience few have had.

I remember once leaving my husband in the south of Holland, with a Dutch friend,in a village near 's Hertogenbosch, while I went to a conference in Austria, with the Dutch friend's wife.

Later we heard all about the wild Mardi gras parades, costumes, bands, and general merriment that occurred during our absence! Little did I know, until now, that there are lots of crazy mardi gras events in that whole area!

thanks once again!

Bookmark for later reading

Had everyone from Mons gone to Binche? Is this why Mons seemed to have no population?

That may remain an eternal mystery!

I was just thinking, I wonder where kerouac went to and voilà! here you are! I've been missing your posts somehow.
I. Want. That. Dog. and. Kraut.

As usual Thanks
Have you pictures of the February Paris Parade?

What is this event?