Carnival of Binche
UNESCO-listed Belgian carnival from the 1300s. The 'Gilles' — costumed locals in feathered hats and wooden clogs — throw 350,000 oranges into the crowd. Outsiders are tolerated but it's emphatically a town festival, not a tourist event.
Practical info
Day trip from Brussels (45 min by train). The orange-throwing happens 11am-12pm Tuesday only. Stand to the side of Grand Place — direct hits hurt.
Expected weather during the event
Avg high 7°C · low 1°C · 12 rain days
Less-crowded alternatives
- Aalst Carnival — also Belgium, also UNESCO, satirical floats
- Carnival in Salvador, Brazil — same week, no oranges, very different vibe
Pair with
Cities worth combining with this trip: