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WHERE: Ath, Belgium
WHEN: from 23rd to 26th August 2024
Wallonia is a fascinating land, rich in charm, history and traditions. Every year, the beautiful town of Ath, hosts one of the most famous folkloristic events of the whole Region and probably of Belgium: the Ducasse of Ath.
An event that even originates in the fifteenth century, recalling the victory of David against Goliath. Today, it turns in the arc of 4 days, during the fourth weekend of August.
The highlight of the celebrations is the traditional Sunday parade, with the folkloristic parade, accompanied by 7 giants, which runs through the streets of the city.
During the celebrations, enormous biblical figures were used, used centuries ago to catechize a particularly illiterate population. The period, instead, was chosen, being the closest to 28 August, the day of the Saint Julien celebrations.
The Ducasse of Ath, today, is a very popular festival, which welcomes many tourists, from Belgium and the rest of Europe. The party was awarded the recognition of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
The proximity to Brussels makes Ath ideal for a trip out of the city, from the splendid Capital.
Photo ©, Daniel Leclercq
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
For medium to long distance distances, the aircraft is the best solution. Ath, is less than 100 kilometers from the capital, close to the two international airports of Charleroi, and Brussels.
Brussels National Airport, it’s about an hour’s drive, via the E19 and E429. From the airport, moreover, it is possible to use the IC train, with a journey time of approximately 75 minutes.
From Charleroi Sud, by car, you need to travel approximately 90 km on E429. From this airport, however, there are no direct connections to Ath, by public transport.
The Ath train station is located in the city center, and allows you to easily reach the main points of interest in the city on foot.
DUCASSE OF ATH 2024 PROGRAM
The Ducasse of Ath takes place over 4 days, from Friday to Monday, starting from the last weekend of August. Here are the times and main events of the 2023 edition:
- Friday 23rd. Along the Esplanade, at 10:30 pm, a large bonfire on the eve of Goliath’s wedding.
- Saturday 24th. At 15:00, accompanied by the procession, Goliath accompanies his girlfriend to the altar of the church of St Julien to marry her. In the afternoon the legendary battle between David and Goliath. From 20:00, the traditional concert of the “Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin” in front of the Town Hall. At 9:00 pm the traditional cannon torchlight procession through the streets of the city.
- Sunday 25th. The folkloric parade, accompanied by giant 7, runs through the streets of Ath, in the middle of the big crowd. Meeting at 09:45 for the first procession to the station. At 15:00, the procession starts in the opposite direction, from the Esplanade, to the Grand Place.
- Monday 26th. Throughout the day, the giants walk in the center of the city, to receive the thanks of the inhabitants. Parades and celebrations throughout the day.
WHERE TO SLEEP
It is not easy to find available facilities, close to the celebrations. Anyone wishing to attend the Ducasse of Ath, will have to book well in advance.
Availability is very limited.
In this case, if you have motorcycles to move independently, we recommend booking in nearby Beloeil, just a few kilometers away.
Au Petit Canteleu it is an excellent solution, with an excellent quality-price ratio. Alternatively, you can take a look at L’instant Au Présent
*all information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. All names and trademarks herein belong to their respective owners.
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