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Popular festival · Ath
On the weekend of the fourth Sunday in August, Ath celebrates its ducasse with the wedding of the giant Goliath, David’s fight against Goliath on the Grand-Place, and the procession of the giants through the streets.
In the photo: Ath
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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Ducasse d'Ath — Ath
Dates change every year: check this year's date before you travel.
The festival
The Ducasse d'Ath originated from a medieval religious procession that over time became a communal city festival. It takes place on the weekend of the fourth Sunday in August and revolves around the giants, huge figures made of wicker and fabric carried by men.
On Friday night, the festivities include the symbolic burning of Goliath’s pants. On Saturday afternoon, the giant Goliath and his bride marry in the church, and later on the Grand-Place the shepherd David faces Goliath in a staged fight whose outcome depends on David’s throw.
On Sunday, the great procession parades the city’s giants, such as Goliath and Madame Goliath, Samson, Ambiorix and Mam'zelle Victoire, alongside the horse Bayard, ridden by the four Aymon brothers, and historical groups and bands. The giants dance to their own music, and the carriers, hidden beneath the structure, take turns along the route.
On Monday the giants walk through the town with their carriers in a more family-oriented atmosphere. Outside these days the giants are kept in storage, and the Maison des Géants tells their story year-round.
Goliath’s wedding and David’s fight against Goliath, on Saturday. The great procession of the giants on Sunday, featuring the horse Bayard. The vespers at Saint-Julien church on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday draws the largest crowds; secure a spot early along the route or on the Grand-Place. For the David and Goliath fight, arrive early at the Grand-Place on Saturday. Come by train: Ath station is close to the route. Visit the Maison des Géants before the festival to learn about the characters.
Tarte à la mastelle, a sweet tart made with mastelle (a small local dry bread), traditionally eaten during the ducasse days, and the regional beers in the bars of the center.
Accommodation in Ath is limited; book early or stay in Tournai, Mons or Brussels. Check the city’s program, which details routes and schedules for each day.
In the city
August
AugustAround August 15, the Assumption feast; the main day is August 15 and the closing is August 16.
Around August 15, the Outremeuse neighborhood in Liège celebrates the Assumption with a procession of the Black Virgin, a Mass in Walloon, a giants’ parade, concerts and lots of péket, culminating in the symbolic burial of Matî l'Ohê.
AugustIn mid or late August, over four days from Thursday to Sunday.
Pukkelpop brings together rock, alternative, electronic and hip‑hop across several stages set on fields and woodlands in Kiewit, north of Hasselt, in August.
AugustEvery two years, in even-numbered years, for about four days over the long weekend around August 15. · Every two years
Every two years, in mid‑August, the ground of Brussels’ Grand-Place is covered with a carpet of begonias and dahlias featuring a different design each edition, which remains in place for about four days.
Your questions
On the weekend of the fourth Sunday in August, from Friday to Monday. The great procession of the giants takes place on Sunday.
He is the city’s main giant. At the ducasse he marries on Saturday and faces the shepherd David in a staged fight on the Grand-Place.
No. The Ducasse d’Ath was removed from UNESCO recognition in 2022.
Festivals and events in Belgium
February/MarchFrom Carnival Sunday to Shrove Tuesday, the three days before Ash Wednesday, in February or March depending on the date of Easter.
The Binche carnival, in the province of Hainaut, culminates on Shrove Tuesday with the Gilles, figures wearing wax masks and ostrich-feather hats who dance through the streets to the sound of drums and throw oranges to the crowd.
February/MarchFrom Saturday to midnight on Fat Tuesday, before the start of Lent, in February or March, depending on the date of Easter.
The Cwarmê is Malmedy’s carnival, in the Ardennes: four days when masked figures such as the Haguètes take to the streets, everything is spoken and sung in Walloon, up to the burning of the Haguète on the final night.
March/AprilOn Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter, in March or early April; from Saturday to Monday.
Three weeks before Easter, Stavelot celebrates Laetare with the Blancs Moussis, figures dressed in white with long red-nosed masks who go through the town throwing confetti at the crowd.
May/JuneOn the weekend of the Holy Trinity, the Sunday after Pentecost, between May and June, depending on the date of Easter.
On Trinity weekend, Mons carries the relic of Saint Waltrude on a gilded carriage through the streets and stages the Lumeçon, Saint George’s fight with the dragon, on the Grand-Place.
MayEvery three years, on the second Sunday in May. · Every three years
Every three years, on the second Sunday in May, Ypres celebrates cats with the Kattenstoet, a parade of floats, giants and costumes that culminates with the town jester throwing stuffed cats from the Lakenhalle bell tower.
May/JuneOn Ascension Day, a Thursday forty days after Easter, in May or early June.
On Ascension Day, the relic of the Holy Blood is carried out of the basilica on Burg Square and processes through Bruges’ medieval centre in a parade with biblical scenes, singing, music and horses, an intangible UNESCO heritage event.