When: From February 11 through February 13, 2018
This southern Belgian town has an approach to Mardi Gras dating back to the 14th century that gets a bit peculiar. Known as the Carnival of Binche, the main characters of this pre-Lenten celebration are the Gilles, a clown-looking, waxy masked bunch of males that are seen on a day known as Shrove Tuesday wearing tunics, trousers, and clogs. These guys parade around on the afternoon of that day and give out oranges to onlookers. Along with having some precarnival festivities six weeks before the actual event, including marching and musical performances, the Carnival of Binche welcomes other noteworthy costumed groups, known as societies such as the Arlequins and Pierrots.