La Ducasse D'ath
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: L Van Den Eynde Copy right La Ducasse d’Ath 2018 - OFFICIAL PRESSKIT - Copy right L Van Den Eynde - Serv. Communication Ville d’Ath Originating in medieval times (15th century), the During the French Revolution, the Jacobins set procession commemorates the construction and fire to these symbols of the former regime on consecration of the Church of Saint Julian. The August 28th, 1794. It was not until 1804 that the Parade through the streets of the city occurs on procession was revived, and until 1806-1807 that the Sunday closest to the Festival of Saint Julian the giants were reborn under the fingers of the of Brioude. carpenter Emmanuel Florent. Scenes from the Old and New Testaments (Goliath By 1819, the procession evolved into a secular and Mary Magdalene) or the Golden Legend (Saint celebration under the influence of the ideas of the Christopher) are presented on floats or in the street. 19th century, (exoticism, Belgian nationalism, an One group comes from the cycle of Charlemagne assertion of local history, etc.) (Bayard) and another of the heroes of chivalry (the Nine Valiant Knights). The procession consists of After the Second World War, historic features scenes that were kept up by the municipality, the recurred: the horse Bayard (1948), St. Christopher parish and the brotherhoods. (1976) and the Diricq horses (1981). The first giant, the horse “Bayard”, made his debut From 1960-1970, the general populous lost in 1462-1463. Goliath was included in 1481, and interest in the festival; it became difficult to find his battle with David appears in the city records enough people for the celebration and tractors in 1487. even replaced the horses in the parade. A youth group in Ath became concerned and decided to Little by little, (16th century-18th century), the upgrade the procession. In 1981, the celebration religious function of the Ducasse (parade) faded of the 500th birthday of Goliath was considerable in favor of more dramatic, popular characteristics. success. For example, the Regency Council gave Goliath his wife in 1715. The couple has therefore become In November 2005, UNESCO listed the event on emblematic of the city. Since that time, the its list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage Philistine and his wife emerge on Saturday during of Humanity. This international label serves as a the celebration and accompany the municipal kind of consecration of six centuries of history, authorities to vespers, (marriage), and the battle tradition, and public enthusiasm. between Goliath and David. 2 Copy right L Van Den Eynde For more than 500 years, every fourth Sunday of August, the small town of Ath, (between Mons and Tournai, Belgium), celebrates the Parade of Giants. This colorful event is the only occasion one can see Goliath, the emblematic giant of the town, and his company. The Parade is an expression of an intangible traditional heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Celebration since 2005. Some Traditions ................................................................................................................. 4 Program of Festivities ....................................................................................................... 5 Did you know? .................................................................................................................. 7 The Route of the Procession ............................................................................................. 8 The Composition of the Procession .................................................................................. 9 An intangible culturel heritage ........................................................................................ 11 A few words about the Giant’s House .............................................................................. 12 Media : Accreditations, Visuals ........................................................................................ 13 3 Some Traditions The “Masteilles” Tart On Saturday, after the battle of David and Goliath, families of Ath invite their guests to enjoy a special “Masteilles” tart, which is prepared with biscuits and almonds during only once per year – during the Ducasse. This recipe varies from one family to another and each recipe is a well-kept secret. This special treat is to be eaten the traditional way; with a glass of Bourgogne. The Battle of David and Goliath On Saturday, after the vespers, there is a breathtaking event for all of Ath’s inhabitants: the shepherd David, a boy belonging to one of Goliath’s bearers’ family, fights against the Philistine giant. The shepherd boy starts the fight by reciting the “Bonimée” poem; a bearer hidden under the giant’s skirt answers him back. This poem goes back to the 16th century; transmitted by word of mouth from one generation to the other, some parts sound very mysterious and are difficult to understand. At the end of the dialogue between the two, David has to defeat Goliath by throwing a ball into the bearer’s window, which is the hole in the giant’s skirt. Documented from 1487, this vestige of a médiéval mystery play is the only remaining one in Europe. 4 Copyright J Flament- OfficeTourisme de d’Ath. Program of Festivities Copy right L Van Den Eynde FRIDAY, AUGUST 24TH 21.00 : To evoke the image of the Belgian revolution of 1830, the Mont Sarah canon walks 15.00 : The Giant Tirant Emerges. through the streets singing an aria from “Le Muette de Portici.” 22.00 : Burning of the pants of Goliath. Departure of the pants from the Town hall. Created in 1986, SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH the burning of premarital pants comes from a local tradition. Pants of the future husband are burned 9.45 : The procession, with its seven giants, 8 by his best friends-the citizens of Ath, on the floats, and their groups, begins its march facing eve before his wedding. After a parade in town, the station and crosses the city, arriving at the the porters of the giant light his pants, which are Esplanade at 14:00. The Giants of Ath are each padded with hay. « worn » or carried by one man. Their weight varies from 242.5 – 286.5 pounds, with the porters take SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH turns along the route. The Bayard giant weighs over 1,288.7 pounds, yet he dances and prances at several stops along the route. Four children 12.00 : Ringing of “Julienne” the great bell of ride atop him, representing the tale of Bayard-the the Church of St. Julian. supernatural bay horse of legend, and his ability to adjust his size to his riders. He is carried by 16 men. 15.00 : Goliath and his fiancée are escorted San Cristobal de Flobecq is also in attendance, by a group “Les Bleus” as the travel, dancing, to walking around on stilts. the City Hall at Saint Julian, where the Vespers Gouyasse is celebrated – that is to say, the The traditional dance of the Goliath couple takes marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Goliath. place in two specific places on Rue aux Gâdes and Rue du Moulin. 16.45 : The newlyweds return to City Hall where David confronts the Philistine giant. The child 15.00 : Early folklore parade in reverse. and giant provoke each other verbally through Beginning on the Grand Place around 17. a dialogue called the “Bonimée.” This display is inspired by the work of French poet Guillaume du Bartas Sallust dated to the late 16th century. If the shepherd wins the battle, the two giants begin their traditional dance. 5 : L Van Den Eynde Copy right MONDAY, AUGUST 27TH SA. 1ST & SUN. 2ND SEPTEMBER In the morning, the giants walk through town with 16.00 : Show of des Matelots de la Dendre au their holders receiving donations of gratuity from Palace : Les mousquetaires au couvent by L. the population. Varney. Reservation 068/28 37 62 16.00 : Guided carriage ride around the Historic FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 TH District of Ath. Departs on Street I Hoton up to the Esplanade. 16.00 : Grand prix of «balle pelote» 17.00 : Per tradition, 10 balloons representing Ath and the villages belonging to it take flight on SATERDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TH the Esplanade, with the participation of the Royal Fanfare Union of Saint Martin. 14.30 : 70th Grand Prix of « balle pelote » of the City of Ath and its Mayor. FRIDAY , AUGUST 31TH 17.00: Carillon concert presented by the students of the carillon class of the Ath Academy. Night market. Closed at midnight. 20.30 : Great concert by the Royale Harmonie SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST Union de Lorette. Kiosque du Parc. 16.00 : Concert of Chantal Mollet’s carillon. 21.15 : Great Fireworks Closing. Stay connected ! 6 : L Van Den Eynde Copy right Did you know ? AN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE The Ducasse of Ath is traditionally held the fourth Sunday in August. By 1481, “Goliath” marches in the procession, winning the admiration of the cheering crowd. Several centuries later, he is a trademark of the parade. Over time, more giants were included in the procession, which consisted of decorated floats and historical groups. In 1981, the 500th birthday of Goliath was the source of much popular enthusiasm. In the early 90’s, the city of Ath strengthened its appeal by taking on an urban renewal project which served to build on its intangible heritage, aiding in tourism development. Adding to this momentum, the House of Giants officially opened in 2000. Throughout the year, citizens and visitors can observe this unifying characteristic of the local intangible heritage. Since 2005, the Ducasse of Ath has been recognized by UNESCO under the same title and ranking as the Ducasse of Mons and the Meyboom in Brussels. These festivals, which have lasted for centuries, are profound parts of local popular culture and are deeply rooted in our local traditions. In 2008, Ath received a new title by winning an award in the EDEN Competition (European Destinations of Excellence) which was initiated by the European Commission. The quality of this tourist city and the individual ownership of folklore by the local people effectively convinced the jury of the contest. This recognition, in addition to that awarded by UNESCO in 2005, confirms the richness of the intangible heritage of the city. 7 OfficeTourisme de d’Ath The Route of the Procession The procession begins Sunday morning at 9:45 and ends around 14:30.