Carnaval de Cassel

The Carnaval de Cassel: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Carnaval de Cassel is one of the jewels of the festive heritage of French Flanders. Inscribed since 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO and on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013, this carnival perpetuates a centuries-old tradition around its two legendary giants.

Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman: the giants of Cassel

Reuze Papa was created in 1827 by Ambroise Bafcop, an artist from Cassel. Measuring 6.25 meters and weighing 94 kg, he is carried on the shoulders of two carriers. Reuze Maman, created in 1860 by Alexis Bafcop, Ambroise's brother, originally represented a fisherman's wife with a basket, recalling Cassel's role as an important hub for fish transport in the 19th century.

Two carnivals per year

Cassel has the unique distinction of celebrating two carnivals per year. The winter carnival takes place on Mardi gras weekend, while the summer carnival, also known as the Réveil de Cassel, takes place on Easter Monday and is traditionally the more popular of the two. Each carnival follows an unchanging ritual: the awakening to the sound of drums and cymbals in the morning, followed by the parade of giants in the afternoon and the triumphant return in the evening.

Flemish music and dances

The Cassel carnivals are inseparable from their musical atmosphere. For three days, in the streets and in the estaminets, the sounds of Flemish, Scottish, Auvergne, or Breton bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, violins, and accordions resonate. Folk and modern music concerts offer the opportunity to sing and dance to the rhythm of living traditions.

The legend of Mont Cassel

According to local legend, Reuze Maman dropped her load and Reuze Papa followed her: this is how Mont Cassel was founded, with the Mont des Récollets nearby. This popular legend anchors the giants in the very landscape of Flanders.