After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic that brutally brought one of Europe's oldest Mardi Gras celebrations to a halt -- and the Kerstens to the verge of bankruptcy -- celebrations are back with a vengeance this winter.
"There is a real excitement and enthusiasm," said Quentin. "People came much earlier to reserve their costumes than in other years."
The UNESCO-listed event starts three days before Lent and reaches its climax on Mardi Gras, when the Gilles -- in wax masks sporting green spectacles and thin moustaches -- dance in their wooden clogs to the sound of brass instruments and clarinets until the early morning hours. Women can join in, but only men wear the Gille outfit.
Although taking part requires a big financial commitment -- renting a Gille costume and a lavish ostrich-feather hat costs around 300 euros -- some 1,000 Gilles are expected to parade through the narrow streets of brick row houses to the beat of the drum and the tinkling bells of their outfits. "In normal times, we would be around 140 or 145," he said. "This year we'll be 158. There are old-timers who have not participated for a long time who have returned, and also many new ones."
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