Ritual Ducasse of Mons

Four key moments define this unique event: Saturday at 8:00 PM: The Descent of the Relics of Saint Waudru, the "founder" of the city. On Saturday evening, during an emotional ceremony in the Collegiate Church of Saint Waudru, the Dean entrusts the relics of the saint to the Mayor, so they can be carried in procession through the streets of the city the following day. Sunday at 9:30 AM: The Procession. On Sunday morning, the shrine is placed on a ceremonial carriage, the Golden Chariot (Car d’Or). Around 1,500 participants, divided into about sixty groups, parade through the streets dressed in historical costumes. Sunday at 12:00 PM: The Ascent of the Golden Chariot. At the end of the Procession, the crowd gathers en masse behind the Car d’Or. Thousands of hands push the carriage to the top of the cobblestone slope next to the Collegiate Church. The stakes are high: according to legend, the Car d’Or must climb the slope in one continuous effort to prevent misfortune from befalling the city. Sunday at 12:30 PM: The Battle of the "Lumeçon". Saint George, accompanied by the characters of the Lumeçon—Devils, Chins-Chins, White Men, Leaf Men, Firefighters, and Police Officers wearing white or blue helmets—prepares to confront the Dragon. The actors descend from the Collegiate Church to the Grand Place (known as the "descent of Rue des Clercs"). In front of the Town Hall, for about thirty minutes and to the frantic rhythm of the "Doudou" music, Saint George battles the Dragon. Finally, the Dragon is defeated by Saint George with one last pistol shot. ... but the program is also filled with many other festive moments (concerts, fireworks, marching bands, etc.). Would you like to experience a one-of-a-kind celebration recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Then join us in Mons for the Doudou!