August 23, 2009
(Belgium)- Every year since the 14th century, Ath's religious procession, the Ducasse, takes place on the Sunday preceding Saint John the Baptist's decapitation (4th Sunday of August). Today, it's a decidedly more jovial affair that features high on the list of Belgium's summer heritage events. The event has lost its somber and religious connotations through the centuries. Secular add-ons include artisanal tanks and big-nosed giants reenacting the fight between David and Goliath, and the genial Brûlage des marronnes, where grooms-to-be burn their trousers on the village's bonfire, signifying the end of their single lives.XXX
XXXThe Ducasse of Ath (a French-speaking city of 27,000 in southwestern Belgium) is a masterpiece of humankind’s oral and intangible heritage, according to the UNESCO. The Ducasse is a procession of giants, a parade of characters that have been gathering for over five hundred years and draw watchers into a charming medieval festival. Although the event only lasts a few days, its effect is felt in the months leading up to it - it is the key to the city’s identity.
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XXXFolklore inspired from the giants and related traditions appeared as a solid starting point for an urban revival campaign to boost the city’s image. In 1996 a project for quality tourism infrastructure presenting folklore tradition all year round was born. That year the city of Ath acquired a handsome town house located in Ath’s historic city center. It was renamed "The Giants’ House", becoming a museum of the folklore giants, in 1998 and opened in October 2000. Open all year round, the Giant’s House has provided the city with a first-class way to welcome tourists, and has attracted more than 70,000 visitors since it opened. The city of Ath collaborates with Ath tourist office and the Giants’ House to promote the Ducasse event. (from whatsonwhen.com and ec.europa.eu)
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XXXFolklore inspired from the giants and related traditions appeared as a solid starting point for an urban revival campaign to boost the city’s image. In 1996 a project for quality tourism infrastructure presenting folklore tradition all year round was born. That year the city of Ath acquired a handsome town house located in Ath’s historic city center. It was renamed "The Giants’ House", becoming a museum of the folklore giants, in 1998 and opened in October 2000. Open all year round, the Giant’s House has provided the city with a first-class way to welcome tourists, and has attracted more than 70,000 visitors since it opened. The city of Ath collaborates with Ath tourist office and the Giants’ House to promote the Ducasse event. (from whatsonwhen.com and ec.europa.eu)
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