Aalst Carnival: A Celebration of Satire and Tradition

The Carnival of Aalst, a three-day event held in the Belgian city of Aalst, East Flanders, is a vibrant and often controversial celebration preceding Ash Wednesday. Recognized in 2010 by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the carnival was later removed from the list in 2019 due to concerns over antisemitic stereotypes displayed during the parades [1]. Despite the controversy, the Aalst Carnival remains a significant cultural event, deeply rooted in local traditions and known for its satirical spirit.

History and Significance

The Carnival of Aalst is an annual event with a long history, celebrated in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. It’s characterized by street performances, dancing in town squares, and visits to local cafés [3]. The carnival’s unique character stems from its emphasis on local participation and mockery, with groups and individuals creating elaborate costumes and floats to satirize current events and local figures.

Key Events and Traditions

• City Council Session: The carnival begins with a humorous city council session held in the De Werf cultural centre, where Prince Carnival receives the city key and local politicians are playfully mocked [3]. This session is conducted in the local dialect, Oilsjters.
• Carnival Parades: Two main parades take place: one on Sunday and another on Monday. The Sunday parade is more formal, with groups judged on their floats and presentations. The Monday parade has a more relaxed atmosphere [4].
• Broom Dance: A traditional event known as the Dance of the Brooms takes place, serving as a plea for favorable weather and a good harvest, while as well intended to ward off evil spirits [4]. Participants move in a lively march with slight brooms, which have bells attached.
• The Onion Throw: Prince Carnival and members of the party committee throw onion-sized candies from the balcony of the city hall. Some candies contain numbers corresponding to prizes, with a special golden onion uniquely designed for each year’s carnival being the grand prize [1], [3].
• Stoet van de Voil Jeanetten: On Tuesday, the “Parade of the Dirty Sissies” goes through the streets [3].

Rivalry with Dendermonde

The Aalst Carnival is also known for its long-standing rivalry with the neighboring city of Dendermonde. In recent years, this rivalry has manifested in playful acts of provocation, such as Aalst Carnival participants leaving onions in Dendermonde [2], rekindling a centuries-old feud.

Recent Developments

Recent editions of the Aalst Carnival have seen individuals, such as Gilian Verhoeve (11), winning the coveted Golden Onion [2]. The organization has expressed satisfaction with the changes implemented in recent years.

Key Takeaways

• The Aalst Carnival is a three-day celebration held before Ash Wednesday.
• It is known for its satirical parades, traditional dances, and the throwing of onions.
• The carnival has faced controversy regarding the apply of stereotypes.
• A long-standing rivalry exists between Aalst and Dendermonde.