Virus halts famous Binche street carnival

BINCHE, Belgium — In normal times, the small town of Binche in southern Belgium would be bursting with excitement.

It’s this time of the year when craftsmen put the finishing touches to the vibrant costumes, ostrich-feather hats and wax masks of performers known as Gilles. The whole town braces itself for the carnival festivities that have been labeled a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

Not this year, though.

The coronavirus has brought to a sudden halt one of Europe’s oldest surviving street carnivals.

The carnival has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and normally draws thousands of aficionados. It takes place during the three days before Lent, reaching its climax on Mardi Gras, when the Gilles characters with their green spectacles and thin moustaches dance to the sound of brass and clarinets.

Rather than organizing a cutrate festival this year, organizers have opted for its cancellation. But the Gilles will be present all the same — floating in the air as their gigantic heads have been deployed on poles across the city.