Six of the best (and strangest) carnivals in Belgium

People in Belgium may no longer fast during Lent – the period of atonement preceding Easter – but they still like to throw a good party to mark Shrove Tuesday, historically the last day when Catholics were allowed wine, meat and cheese before the liturgical fast began. Like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the centrepiece of Belgian carnival is a colourful parade characterised by the wearing of fantastical costumes, upsetting social norms and flaunting the status quo.

Aalst, 26-28 February
The most famous carnival celebration in Flanders is in Aalst. The three-day event was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Intangible and Oral Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 2010, but the tradition goes back to the middle ages. The main parade on Sunday features, in addition to floats and beautiful costumes, satirical depictions of politicians and other public figures and a great deal of lewd and raunchy humour. The fun continues on Monday with an abbreviated version of Sunday’s parade and the appearance of the Gilles of Aalst – men in distinctive historical costumes who perform age-old rituals to ward off evil and welcome spring. On Tuesday, the voil jeanetten, or dirty Jeannettes – men in weirdly accessorised women’s dress – take to the streets.

Binche, 26-28 February
This Unesco-recognised carnival is one of Belgium's most famous, dating back to around the 14th century, but the exact origins are unclear. The folkloric event includes up to 1,000 clown-like performers called Gilles who are wearing masks and dressed extravagantly. On the final day oranges are thrown at the crowd of people in attendance. Check out this one for lots of music, dancing and tradition.

Stavelot, 25-27 March
Falling in the middle of Lent, this festival is three days of celebration and strange traditions. On the Sunday of the carnival the streets of Stavelot will be filled with characters known as the Blancs-Moussis. These unusual characters dressed in white and wearing funny masks carry dried pig bladders and hit people on the head with them. Pay attention or one of them may stuff confetti down your back. Stavelot residents turn out in their droves dressed as clowns, penguins and pirates or in traditional dress of the area, joined by floats and marching bands.

Carnival of the Bears, 26 March
This carnival celebrates the legend of a nine-year-boy who was rumored to have killed a bear in Andenne. There’s a huge parade celebrating the bear, which is now the mascot of the town. There’s dozens of floats, tons of confetti and a ceremonial throwing of teddy bears off the town hall balcony.

Blankenberge, 25-28 February
An annual occurrence since 1952 with a carnival ball, the appointment of Prince Carnival, a children’s carnival and fireworks on the beach, this carnival is well worth a visit.

Knokke-Heist, 25-28 February
This carnival begins with a mass to fishermen lost at sea and continues with a parade featuring giant puppets Pier and Wanne. Monday is Sprotjesdag when cafes hand out free sprats. Tuesday kicks off with a costumed football game between the Vissers (fishermen) and Plakkers (plasterers), a tradition that dates back to 1928. The festivities end with an evening procession through the town centre.