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2018La Ducasse d’Ath

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Originating in medieval times (15th century), the procession commemorates the construction and consecration of the Church of Saint Julian. The Parade through the streets of the city occurs on the Sunday closest to the Festival of Saint Julian of Brioude.

Scenes from the Old and New Testaments (Goliath and Mary Magdalene) or the Golden Legend (Saint Christopher) are presented on floats or in the street. One group comes from the cycle of Charlemagne (Bayard) and another of the heroes of chivalry (the Nine Valiant Knights). The procession consists of scenes that were kept up by the municipality, the parish and the brotherhoods.

The first giant, the horse “Bayard”, made his debut in 1462-1463. Goliath was included in 1481, and his battle with David appears in the city records in 1487.

Little by little, (16th century-18th century), the religious function of the Ducasse (parade) faded in favor of more dramatic, popular characteristics. For example, the Regency Council gave Goliath his wife in 1715. The couple has therefore become emblematic of the city. Since that time, the Philistine and his wife emerge on Saturday during the celebration and accompany the municipal authorities to vespers, (marriage), and the battle between Goliath and David.

During the French Revolution, the Jacobins set fire to these symbols of the former regime on August 28th, 1794. It was not until 1804 that the procession was revived, and until 1806-1807 that the giants were reborn under the fingers of the carpenter Emmanuel Florent.

By 1819, the procession evolved into a secular celebration under the influence of the ideas of the 19th century, (exoticism, Belgian nationalism, an assertion of local history, etc.)

After the Second World War, historic features recurred: the horse Bayard (1948), St. Christopher (1976) and the Diricq horses (1981).

From 1960-1970, the general populous lost interest in the festival; it became difficult to find enough people for the celebration and tractors even replaced the horses in the parade. A youth group in Ath became concerned and decided to upgrade the procession. In 1981, the celebration of the 500th birthday of Goliath was considerable success.

In November 2005, UNESCO listed the event on its list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This international label serves as a kind of consecration of six centuries of history, tradition, and public enthusiasm.

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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

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For more than 500 years, every fourth Sunday of August, the small town of Ath, (between Mons and Tournai, Belgium), 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.

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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.

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.

Some Traditions

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 24TH

15.00 : The Giant Tirant Emerges.

22.00 : Burning of the pants of Goliath. Departure of the pants from the Town hall. Created in 1986, the burning of premarital pants comes from a local tradition. Pants of the future husband are burned by his best friends-the citizens of Ath, on the eve before his wedding. After a parade in town, the porters of the giant light his pants, which are padded with hay.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH

12.00 : Ringing of “Julienne” the great bell of the Church of St. Julian.

15.00 : Goliath and his fiancée are escorted by a group “Les Bleus” as the travel, dancing, to the City Hall at Saint Julian, where the Vespers Gouyasse is celebrated – that is to say, the marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Goliath.

16.45 : The newlyweds return to City Hall where David confronts the Philistine giant. The child and giant provoke each other verbally through a dialogue called the “Bonimée.” This display is inspired by the work of French poet Guillaume du Bartas Sallust dated to the late 16th century. If the shepherd wins the battle, the two giants begin their traditional dance. 

21.00 : To evoke the image of the Belgian revolution of 1830, the Mont Sarah canon walks through the streets singing an aria from “Le Muette de Portici.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH

9.45 : The procession, with its seven giants, 8 floats, and their groups, begins its march facing the station and crosses the city, arriving at the Esplanade at 14:00. The Giants of Ath are each « worn » or carried by one man. Their weight varies from 242.5 – 286.5 pounds, with the porters take turns along the route. The Bayard giant weighs over 1,288.7 pounds, yet he dances and prances at several stops along the route. Four children ride atop him, representing the tale of Bayard-the supernatural bay horse of legend, and his ability to adjust his size to his riders. He is carried by 16 men. San Cristobal de Flobecq is also in attendance, walking around on stilts.

The traditional dance of the Goliath couple takes place in two specific places on Rue aux Gâdes and Rue du Moulin.

15.00 : Early folklore parade in reverse. Beginning on the Grand Place around 17.

Program of Festivities

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MONDAY, AUGUST 27TH

In the morning, the giants walk through town with their holders receiving donations of gratuity from the population.

16.00 : Guided carriage ride around the Historic District of Ath. Departs on Street I Hoton up to the Esplanade.

17.00 : Per tradition, 10 balloons representing Ath and the villages belonging to it take flight on the Esplanade, with the participation of the Royal Fanfare Union of Saint Martin.

FRIDAY , AUGUST 31TH

Night market. Closed at midnight.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST

16.00 : Concert of Chantal Mollet’s carillon.

SA. 1ST & SUN. 2ND SEPTEMBER

16.00 : Show of des Matelots de la Dendre au Palace : Les mousquetaires au couvent by L. Varney. Reservation 068/28 37 62

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 TH

16.00 : Grand prix of «balle pelote»

SATERDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TH 

14.30  : 70th Grand Prix of « balle pelote » of the City of Ath and its Mayor.

17.00: Carillon concert presented by the students of the carillon class of the Ath Academy.

20.30 : Great concert by the Royale Harmonie Union de Lorette. Kiosque du Parc.

21.15 : Great Fireworks Closing.

Stay connected !

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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.

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Route of the Procession

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 Enghien, 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).

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1. THE COMMUNITY FIREMENTheir position at the head of the procession serves as a reminder that for five centuries the procession has included groups concerned about the improve-ment of local life, (such as schools, orphanages, hospices, etc.).

2. THE EAGLE WITH TWO HEADS*He has accompanied the Tailor’s Brotherhood in the parade since the end of the 17th century, and was symbolic of the eagle of Saint John’s Gospel. He became two-headed after a royal visit in 1854, and has ever since represented the armory of the city, dancing to the music of the band of Meslin-l’Evêque.

*Weight: 286.5 pounds + child - Height: about 11 feet

3. THE BOAT OF THE NEAPOLITAN FISHERMEN

This float of fantasy created by the choral society ‘Les Matelots de la Dendre’ first appeared in the procession in 1856. The ‘Wild Man’, chained and restless, is representative of 19th century taste for exoticism.

4. SAINT CHRISTOPHE FROM FLOBECQAccording to the Golden Legend, Saint Christopher carried the Christ Child on his back. Walking on stilts, this character is represented as a giant and leans on a stick blooming with flowers. Originally introduced to the procession in the 19th century, this giant was reincorporated into the festivities in 1976.

5. THE “BLUES”These French Soldiers are the heirs of the brothe-rhood of the harquebus gunners. They escort Sam-son and routinely fire their guns at various places throughout the procession.

6. SAMSON (CERTIFIED SINCE 1679)*This Biblical figure carries the column of the Temple and the jawbone of a donkey. Since the early 19th century he has worn the vestments of a French soldier, just like his escorts, the “Blues”. Following the company is the band from Moulbaix.

*Weight: 279.98 pounds - Height: 14.1 meters

7. THE MONT-SARAH CANNON GROUPIntroduced in 1975, this group serves to evoke the image of the Belgian Revolution of 1830; the lace-maker Marie Anne Leroy rouses her compa-triots walking through the streets, and they all sing an aria from « La Muette de Portici ».

8. THE FLOAT OF HORTICULTUREThe goddess Flora sits enthroned upon a flowerbed with nymphs. This ornamental float was created in 1850.

9. AMBIORIX (Certified since the 18th century)*

Before 1850, the bowmen’s giant was known as ‘Tirant’ (bowing). Thereafter, he metamorphosed into Ambiorix to represent the local and national history, while keeping his bow and arrows. The band of Irchonwelz provokes hi, to dance.

*Weight: 279.98 pounds - Height: 12.3 feet

The Composition of the Procession

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10. THE HALBERDIERSThese 16th century soldiers have marched in the procession since 1877. They have escorted the ‘float of the Provincial States’ since 1885.

11. THE FLOAT OF THE PROVINCIAL STATES

Purchased in 1885, this Chariot represents the meeting of the Provincial States of Hainaut Ath in 1572, when Mons, the capital of the county, was in the hands of the Orangemen.

12. THE FLOAT OF 16TH CENTURY NAVIGATION

Like its predecessor, this float appeared in 1885, the procession of transport in Brussels. It repre-sents the link between Bruges and Ghent in the 16th century.

13. MISS VICTORY (1793, 1860)*In 1793, a giant was created celebrate the Aus-trian victories over the French. The giant symbo-lizes the city of Ath; with clothes the colors of the city. She is accompanied by the fanfare of Loretto.

*Weight: 273.37 pounds - Height: 13.35 feet

14. THE FLOAT OF AGRICULTUREThe goddess Ceres, surrounded by peasants and farmers, stands among sheaves of wheat and agri-cultural implements. Created in 1860, this float has been decorated in this manner since 1905. It evokes the imagery of the major economic activity in the region at the time of its creation.

15. THE FLOAT OF ALBERT AND ISABELLE

Introduced in the procession in 1906, this float reminds Ath of the reign of Archduke Albert and Isabella, who had built the City Hall between 1614 and 1624.

16. THE MEN AT ARMS OF THE 16TH CENTURY

The group escorting the chariot of Albert and Isabella, since the early 20th century.

17. THE BAYARD HORSE*The horse, with the 4 Aymon sons, is documented in 1462. Although it disappeared during the 16th century, it was reintroduced in 1948 because of the initiative of a local company gym, and was sculpted by Rene Sansen. Sixteen bearers are

required to help the horse dance with the music Huissignies.*Weight: 1,393.32 pounds (+ children) – Height: 20.66 feet

18. THE FLOAT OF THE NINE PROVINCESThis float was designed by the designer Govaert 1880. A goddess representing Belgium is surroun-ded by nine maidens bearing the coat of arms of its provinces.

19. THE 19 VILLAGE GROUPS Since 1997 this group has been part of the proces-sion. Pages bear the coats of arms representative of the town and 18 villages which belong to Ath.

20. THE GROUP OF FIVE TOWNSHIPSThe five riders carry the flags of the five districts as part of the arondissement (urban district): Ath, Chièvres Flobecq Frasnes-lez-Buissenal, Quevau-camps.

21. THE FLOAT OF THE VILLAGEDesigned in 1850, this is the successor to the cha-riot of the City, documented qs part of the proces-sion since 1715. The goddess of the city sits in a temple above characters that illustrate the city’s history.

22. GOLIATH (documented since 1481) AND HIS WIFE (1715)*

The Philistine is accompanied by David the shepherd boy. Goliath and his wife do their tradi-tional dance in two specific places: the deck of the Mill and the Bridge Gadre. The band Saint-Martin of Ath accompanies them.

Goliath : 277.78 pounds, 12.95 feetMadame Goliath : 246.91 pounds, 12.79 feet

23. THE GUARD OF GOLIATHFive characters perform police around the couple. The two leaf men are documented since 1749; the devil Magnon pushes back the public with his pig’s bladder. The Diricq horses, who disappeared in 1850, returned in procession in 1981.

24. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILMembers of the Municipal Council marched in the procession since the Middle Ages. After 1715, they rode upon the chariot of the City. In the 19th century, they followed on foot before the floats appeared (1899).

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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 in-tangible 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 pro-found 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 indi-vidual 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.

An Intangible Cultural Heritage

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A few words about the Giant’s House(rue de Pintamont 18)

At the Giant’s House it is the festive season all year round. This Museum occupies a Louis XV style mansion and takes you on a captivating journey through the world of giants.

During the visit you use all your senses. You see how a giant is made, then further on you see how it is carried, the passing of the festival from one generation to another is recalled by several of the people involved. Giants also exist beyond our frontiers, in fact they can be found all over Europe. Several well illustrated documentaries tell you about them. The Giants’ House regularly holds temporary exhibitions on various themes.

Enjoy wandering around this magic place in the very centre of the town.

ON SALE AT THE TOURISM OFFICE (Front desk- rue de Pintamont 18):

The essential Ducasse Poster available beginning August. The guide of the Ducasse for 5€.

Info : La Maison des Géants rue de Pintamont 18 à 7800 ATH. +32(0)68/ 68 13 00 www.maisondesgeants.be – Facebook

From Tuesday to Friday : 10 to 17.00, until 18.00 (between June and September). Saterday, Sunday and School holiday : from 14 to 18.00. Close on sunday in December and January

Guided visits for groups

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Ducasse d’Ath 2018 : Media ACCREDITATION Each year, the media wishes to share the celebration of the Ducasse of Ath and the annual outing of the giants with the public. To ensure the best working conditions for representatives of the press and ensuring the proper organization of the festivities, accreditation is required to access: the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Goliath, and the battle of David and Goliath on Saturday, August 25th. A press contact will be at the Town Hall on Saturday at 14:30. To obtain these certifications, please return the attached form.

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PRESS CONTACT Press contact is guaranteed by the Giant’s house /Tourist Office of Ath (Pintamont 18 Ath – www.maisondesgeants.be). Catherine Monfort-Communication 0032 (0) 68 13 04 cmonfort@ath.be ................................................................................................................................................................................

TV COVERAGE Upon request, “HD” Visuals will be provided, which is copyright free. Photographs submitted may be used provided the words “copyright J. Flament-Maison des Géants.”

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ACCESS ROUTES Railway station / Brussels, Lille and Brussels-South Airport airports/ 45 minutes driving from Charleroi and Brussels (E429, Exit 30 – E42, Exit Nimy Maisières then direction Ath).

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Full name : .............................................................................................................................................................................

Media Organisation : .........................................................................................................................................................

Address : ............................................................................................................................................................................

Phone : ................................................................................................................................................................................

E-mail : ...............................................................................................................................................................................

License Plate Number (only on saterday) : ...................................................................................................................

SEEKING ACCREDITATION TO ATTEND:

Saturday the 25th, the marriage of Goliath and his Fiancée and the combat of David and Goliath.

Sunday the 26th – For the parade.

Your badges will be removed from Friday, August the 24th at the Tourist Office, Rue de Pintamont No. 18. Also open the weekend of the Ducasse :

> Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 > Saturday from 10:30 to 18:00 > Sunday from 9-19:00 without interruption

Notes/Comments : Please submit this form before friday, August the 17th, by e-mail (maison.des.geants@ath.be ).

Ducasse of Ath : APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION 2018

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