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La Ducasse d’ 2018

- OFFICIAL PRESSKIT - 2 between Goliath andbetween David. Goliath (marriage), battle vespers, to the and authorities municipal the accompany and celebration the Philistine and his wife emerge during on Saturday emblematic of the city. Since that time, the wife in 1715. become therefore couple has The For example, the Regency Council his Goliath gave ofin dramatic, more favor popular characteristics. religious (parade) function of the Ducasse faded (16th by little, Little century-18th the century), in 1487. with inhis appears the city David battle records in 1462-1463. included was Goliath in 1481, and “Bayard”, first giant,the horse The made his debut brotherhoods. the and parish that kept were scenes up by the municipality, the Nine Valiant Knights). consists of procession The (the chivalry of heroes the of another and (Bayard) One the cycle group of Charlemagne from comes Christopher) or thein street. on presented floats are (Saint and Mary Magdalene) Legend Golden the or Testaments New and (Goliath Old the from Scenes Brioude. of of Saint to the Festival the Sunday Julian closest of through the city on Parade the streets occurs ofconsecration the Church of Saint Julian. The and construction the commemorates procession Originating in medieval times (15th the century), tradition, and public enthusiasm. kind of of consecration six centuries of history, of Humanity. a as international This serves label ofits Masterpieces list of the Intangible Heritage In November the event UNESCO on listed 2005, success. considerable birthday was of of the 500th Goliath upgrade In the procession. 1981, the celebration group in Ath concerned became and decided to in the parade. A youth the horses replaced even tractors and celebration the for enough people it difficult became interest to find in the festival; 1960-1970,From lost populous general the (1976) (1981). and the Diricq horses Christopher St. (1948), Bayard horse the recurred: War, World theAfter Second historic features history, of etc.) local assertion 19th (exoticism, century, Belgian nationalism, an celebration under the influence theof theideas of 1819,By evolved the procession into asecular Florent. Emmanuel carpenter the of fingers the under reborn were giants the and until revived, was procession 1806-1807 that August 1794. 28th, It not was until that the 1804 regime symbolsformer these the to of fire on During the French Revolution, the Jacobins set

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For more than 500 years, every fourth Sunday of August, the small town of Ath, (between and , ), 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. 5 their traditional dance. the shepherd wins giants the two the battle, begin 16th dated to the late century. If Sallust Bartas inspired of by French the work poet Guillaume du the “Bonimée.”a dialogue called display This is through verbally other each giantand provoke the Philistine confronts David giant. child The marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Goliath. Mr. of Goliath. Mrs. And marriage is – that celebrated is to Gouyasse thesay, the City at Hall Saint Julian, where the Vespers dancing, to the travel, as by Bleus” agroup “Les the Church Julian. of St. padded with hay. of the giantthe porters light his pants, which are his before eve wedding. in aparade After town, citizensby his of friends-the Ath, best on the tradition. husband burned of are Pants the future local a from comes pants burning premarital of the the Townof the pants from in Created 1986, hall. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH SATURDAY,AUGUST FRIDAY, 24TH AUGUST 16.45 15.00 : 12.00 22.00 15.00 :

: : : Burning of the pants of Departure Goliath. The newlyweds The to City return where Hall Ringing of “Julienne” of the great bell The Giant Tirant Emerges. Giant Tirant The Goliath and his fiancée are escorted and hisGoliath escorted fiancée are Program of Festivities de Portici.” Muette “Le from singing aria an streets the through walks canon Sarah Mont the 1830, of revolution Beginning around 17. onPlace the Grand Rue du Moulin. in specificon Gâdes two andplace Rue aux places traditionalThe dance couple of takes the Goliath stilts. on around walking in attendance, is also de Cristobal Flobecq San adjust his by size 16 to his He is carried men. riders. ofsupernatural legend, bay horse and his ability to atopride him, of representing Bayard-the the tale children Four route. the along stops several at 1,288.7over pounds, yet he dances and prances giant along the Bayard turns route. The weighs 242.5from –286.5 pounds, take with the porters « worn » by one man. or Their carried weight varies at 14:00.Esplanade Giants The of Atheach are the city, at the the station arriving and crosses andtheir floats, groups, beginsfacing march its SUNDAY, 26TH AUGUST 21.00 : Early folklore parade in reverse. in parade reverse. folklore 15.00 : Early 9.45 : The procession, with procession, The giants, its seven 8 To evoke the image of the Belgian

Copy right L Van Den Eynde Stay connected 6 Night market. Closed at midnight. at Closed market. Night population. the their donations receiving holders of gratuity from with town through walk giants the morning, In the Fanfare Union of Saint Martin. Saint of Union Fanfare the Esplanade, with the participation of the Royal belongingAth and the villages to it take flight on Esplanade. I Hoton onDistrict of Street Ath. up Departs to the SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 31THAUGUST , FRIDAY MONDAY, 27TH AUGUST 16.00 : 16.00 17.00 16.00 : : Per tradition, Per representing 10 balloons Guided carriage ride around the Historic Historic the around ride carriage Guided Concert of Chantal Mollet’s carillon. Mollet’s Chantal of Concert Varney. Reservation 068/28 37 62 068/28 Varney. Reservation Palace the City of Ath and its Mayor. Union Kiosque du de Lorette. Parc. of the Ath Academy. class students of the carillon FRIDAY, 7 TH SEPTEMBER &SUN. 2NDSA.SEPTEMBER 1ST SATERDAY, SEPTEMBER SATERDAY,8 TH SEPTEMBER ! Grand prix of «balle pelote» of «balle 16.00 prix :Grand Great Fireworks Closing. 21.15 : Fireworks Great 16.00 : 20.30 : 70th Grand Prix of « Prix 70th Grand 14.30 : 17.00: : Les mousquetaires : Les au couventby L. Show of des Matelots de la Dendre au Show Dendre au of des de Matelots la Great concert by the Royale Harmonie Harmonie Royale the by concert Great Carillon concert presented by the the by presented concert Carillon balle pelote balle » of

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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. It begins its traditional route from the train station and ends at the Esplanade. It travels (in this order) through Rue de la Station, Rue des Frères Descamps, Rue de Pintamont, Rue aux Gâdes, to arrive on the Grand Place. It then continues through the streets Rues de France, to Brantignies, to Moulin, to Nazareth, Haute and to , ending on the Esplanade.

In the afternoon, the procession retraces its route, traveling in the opposite direction. Around 17:00, it enters the Grand Place and continues towards the church of Saint-Julien, where the final dances take place. Mr. and Mrs. Goliath are then escorted by the cheering throng up to their hangar. Ends, 21:00.

If you come with children, please note the less crowded streets along the procession: Rue Haute and Rue d’Enghien. The location is the Esplanade Parc (from 9 to 17.00).

Route of the Procession

8 9 1976. 1976. this giant reincorporated was into in the festivities introduced in to the procession the 19th century, on astickleans blooming Originally with flowers. thisstilts, character agiant is as represented and the Christ Child oncarried his Walking on back. Christopher Saint Legend, Golden the to According  4. exoticism. for of 19th is taste representative century restless, in ‘Wildprocession 1856. Man’, The chained and Dendre’ appeared the defirst Matelots in la ‘Les fantasythe by created societyof choral float This 3.  11 feet about -Height: +child pounds 286.5 *Weight: l’Evêque. city, dancing to the music of the band of Meslin- of sinceand ever the has the armory represented a royal after visit inHe two-headed became 1854, symbolicwas of of the eagle Saint John’s Gospel. sincethe parade the end of the 17th and century, He accompanied has the Tailor’s in Brotherhood 2.  etc.). hospices, ment life, (such of local orphanages, schools, as includedhas groups concerned about the improve a reminder as centuriesthe procession five that for Their position at the head ofserves the procession 1.  The Composition of the Procession of the Composition The THE BOAT OF THE NEAPOLITAN NEAPOLITAN OF THE BOAT THE THE COMMUNITY FIREMEN COMMUNITY THE FISHERMEN THE EAGLE WITH TWO HEADS* TWO WITH EAGLE THE SAINT CHRISTOPHE FROM FLOBECQ FROM CHRISTOPHE SAINT

- 6. SAMSON 6. SAMSON procession. the throughout andson routinelytheir fire guns various at places of Sam the harquebusrhood gunners. escort They brothe the of heirs the are Soldiers French These “BLUES” THE 5. *Weight: 279.98 pounds - Height: 12.3 feet 12.3 -Height: pounds 279.98 *Weight: 9. 1850. with nymphs. ornamentalcreated This was in float sits enthroned upon Flora aflowerbed goddess The 8.  Muette ». desing Portici «La from an aria all they and streets, the through walking triots her compa Anne Marie rouses Leroy lace-maker the image of the Belgian Revolution of the 1830; Introduced in 1975, to evoke this group serves  7. 14.1 -Height: meters pounds 279.98 *Weight: Moulbaix. from band the is company the Following a French soldier, just the “Blues”. like his escorts, 19thearly of worn he the vestments has century Temple and the jawbone of a donkey. Since the thecolumn BiblicalThis the figurecarries of band of hi, provokes Irchonwelz to dance. history, while keeping his The bow and arrows. into and Ambiorix national the local to represent metamorphosed he Thereafter, (bowing). ‘Tirant’ 1850, theBefore bowmen’s giant known was as THE MONT THE (Certified since the 18th century)* since the 18th (Certified AMBIORIX THE FLOAT OFHORTICULTURE FLOAT THE ( -

CERTIFIED SINCE 1679 CERTIFIED SARAH CANNON GROUP SARAH CANNON ) * - - -

Copy right L Van Den Eynde 10. THE HALBERDIERS required to help the horse dance with the music These 16th century soldiers have marched in the Huissignies. procession since 1877. They have escorted the *Weight: 1,393.32 pounds (+ children) – Height: 20.66 ‘float of the Provincial States’ since 1885. feet 11. THE FLOAT OF THE PROVINCIAL 18. THE FLOAT OF THE NINE PROVINCES STATES This float was designed by the designer Govaert Purchased in 1885, this Chariot represents the 1880. A goddess representing Belgium is surroun- meeting of the Provincial States of Hainaut Ath in ded by nine maidens bearing the coat of arms of its 1572, when Mons, the capital of the county, was provinces. in the hands of the Orangemen. 19. THE 19 VILLAGE GROUPS 12. THE FLOAT OF 16TH CENTURY Since 1997 this group has been part of the proces- NAVIGATION sion. Pages bear the coats of arms representative Like its predecessor, this float appeared in 1885, of the town and 18 villages which belong to Ath. the procession of transport in Brussels. It repre- sents the link between Bruges and Ghent in the 20.  THE GROUP OF FIVE TOWNSHIPS 16th century. The five riders carry the flags of the five districts as part of the arondissement (urban district): Ath, 13. MISS VICTORY (1793, 1860)* Chièvres Flobecq Frasnes-lez-Buissenal, Quevau- In 1793, a giant was created celebrate the Aus- camps. trian victories over the French. The giant symbo- lizes the city of Ath; with clothes the colors of the 21. THE FLOAT OF THE VILLAGE city. She is accompanied by the fanfare of Loretto. Designed in 1850, this is the successor to the cha- riot of the City, documented qs part of the proces- *Weight: 273.37 pounds - Height: 13.35 feet sion since 1715. The goddess of the city sits in a temple above characters that illustrate the city’s 14. THE FLOAT OF AGRICULTURE history. The goddess Ceres, surrounded by peasants and farmers, stands among sheaves of wheat and agri- 22. GOLIATH (documented since 1481) cultural implements. Created in 1860, this float AND HIS WIFE (1715)* has been decorated in this manner since 1905. It The Philistine is accompanied by David the evokes the imagery of the major economic activity shepherd boy. Goliath and his wife do their tradi- in the region at the time of its creation. tional dance in two specific places: the deck of the Mill and the Bridge Gadre. The band Saint-Martin 15. THE FLOAT OF ALBERT AND of Ath accompanies them. ISABELLE Introduced in the procession in 1906, this float Goliath : 277.78 pounds, 12.95 feet reminds Ath of the reign of Archduke Albert and Madame Goliath : 246.91 pounds, 12.79 feet Isabella, who had built the City Hall between 1614 and 1624. 23. THE GUARD OF GOLIATH Five characters perform police around the couple. 16. THE MEN AT ARMS The two leaf men are documented since 1749; OF THE 16TH CENTURY the devil Magnon pushes back the public with his The group escorting the chariot of Albert and pig’s bladder. The Diricq horses, who disappeared Isabella, since the early 20th century. in 1850, returned in procession in 1981.

17. THE BAYARD HORSE* 24. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL The horse, with the 4 Aymon sons, is documented Members of the Municipal Council marched in the in 1462. Although it disappeared during the 16th procession since the Middle Ages. After 1715, century, it was reintroduced in 1948 because of they rode upon the chariot of the City. In the 19th the initiative of a local company gym, and was century, they followed on foot before the floats sculpted by Rene Sansen. Sixteen bearers are appeared (1899).

10 11 heritage of the city. the of heritage recognition,This in addition to that awarded byrichness UNESCO in the confirmsthe 2005, of intangible convincedvidual effectively people the jury of the by contest. ownership the local of folklore Excellence) which initiated was by the European Commission. quality of this The tourist city and the indi anew by winning title AthIn received 2008, an in award Competition the EDEN Destinations (European of and deeply popular are culture of local infound rooted traditions. parts our local which pro centuries, are for lasted have festivals, of These Mons and the MeyboomDucasse in Brussels. of been Ath recognized has Since by UNESCO theunder Ducasse 2005, and title ranking the same the as heritage. intangible local opened in Throughout 2000. the year, this unifying citizens and observe visitors can characteristic of the tangible heritage, aiding in tourism development. Adding to this momentum, the House of Giants officially city of Ath strengthened its appeal by taking renewal on an project to urban build which on its in served In 1981, of the birthday source much was of the 500th Goliath popular enthusiasm. In 90’s, the early the groups. historical time,parade. Over giants more included were in which the procession, and consisted of floats decorated winningprocession, the admiration of the cheering centuries later, crowd. Several of the he is atrademark of Ath is traditionally Sunday Ducasse The held the fourth in August. 1481, By “Goliath” marches in the An Intangible Cultural Heritage Cultural Intangible An - - -

Office de Tourisme d’Ath Photo J Dhon’t 12 A few words about the Giant the words about A few Enjoy wandering of the town. around centre this in magic the very place themes. various documentariesillustrated you tell about exhibitions Giants’ them. temporary holds The House regularly on involved. exist Giants beyond also our in Europe. theybe well found over frontiers, can fact all Several one of generation the people from by several of to the another passing carried, the festival is recalled During the visit how your you see You agiant all use senses. is made, on you how see it then further is giants. of world the through journey captivating a on you takes and mansion At the Giant’s year all round. House season Museum This it style occupies is the festive aLouis XV (Front desk- rue de Pintamont 18): Pintamont de rue desk- (Front THE TOURISM OFFICE OFFICE TOURISM THE AT SALE ON The guide of the Ducasse for 5€. for guide The of Ducasse the beginning available August. Poster Ducasse essential The

Close on sunday in DecemberClose and January 14 18.00. and to School holiday :from Sunday Saterday, September). and June (between From Tuesday Friday to :10 17.00, to until 18.00 Info :  www.maisondesgeants.be – Facebook – www.maisondesgeants.be +32(0)68/ 13 00 68 ATH. de Pintamont 18rue à7800 Maison des Géants La Guided visits for groups for visits Guided (rue de Pintamont 18) Pintamont (rue de ’ s House s 13 ......     ...... [email protected] 13 (0) 68 04 0032 Monfort-Communication Catherine www.maisondesgeants.be). – Ath 18 (Pintamont contact is guaranteed byPress the Giant’s of house /TouristAth Office PRESS PRESS provided the words “copyright the words provided J. Flament-Maison des Géants.” will beprovided,Upon “HD” Visuals which request, is copyright Photographs free. submitted may beused and Brussels (E429, Exit 30 – E42, Exit Nimy –E42, 30 Exit (E429, Maisières Exit then directionand Ath). Brussels minutes 45 from driving Airport airports/ and Brussels-South Lille Railway station /Brussels, ROUTES ACCESS COVERAGE TV Toreturntheform. attached obtain certifications, please these Town at 14:30. on Hall Saturday August on and Saturday, of contact Goliath David will and 25th.Goliath, the battle beat Apress the organization accreditation of of the festivities, Mr. the marriage is required to access: and Mrs. To ensure working the and best conditions ensuring of the press the proper representatives for public. with the giants year,Each of Athand annual the outing of Ducasse the media the of the celebration the wishes share to ACCREDITATION

CONTACT Ducasse d Ducasse

’ Ath 2018Ath

: Media

Copy right L Van Den Eynde 14 Notes/Comments > > open the weekend Also of the Ducasse Friday,Your badges will from August beremoved the 24th at the Tourist Office, Rue Pintamontde No. 18. License Plate Number :...... (only Plate License on saterday) E-mail Phone Address Organisation Media Full name :...... SEEKING ACCREDITATION TO ATTEND: TO ACCREDITATION SEEKING Sunday from 9-19:00 from Sunday without interruption Friday from 10:00 Friday to from 18:00 >   Sunday –For 26th the parade. the Goliath. and David of combat the and his and Fiancée Goliath of marriage the 25th, the Saturday : : Ducasse of Ath : Ducasse Ath of

...... :

...... : by e-mail ([email protected] ). ([email protected] e-mail by August 17th, the friday, submit before this form Please : ...... Saturday from 10:30 from to 18:00 Saturday : APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION 2018 ACCREDITATION FOR APPLICATION

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