Fête des Mountches
- First Saturday of December
Monastic tradition
Warneton was long ago the seat of an abbey dedicated to Saint Nicholas under the authority of Arrouaise Abbey. Apparently, the monks of Warneton used to distribute sweets to the town’s inhabitants on their patron saint’s day.
Warneton, city of the Mountches
Proud of this tradition, the people of Warneton readily call themselves Mountches, thus paying tribute to their generous benefactors. Even today, Warneton celebrates Saint Nicholas during its traditional Mountches parade held on the first Saturday in December.
When the Mountches go marching in …
On this evening, a picturesque cortege winds its way through the streets by torchlight. Dressed in white hooded capes, the little Mountches dance around Brother Jehan, the giant monk. Their round dances create a frenzied atmosphere. Saint Nicholas on horseback throws thousands of oranges to the jubilant crowd, closing the parade which culminates in the burning of a giant straw Mountche.
A unique family celebration
This folk parade is unique in that it takes place at night. So as not to break with the regional tradition of throwing objects, Saint Nicholas throws small Mountche puppets from the balcony of the town hall balcony. A memorable experience!
Visitor info
Date
- First Saturday of December
Location
- Warneton centre • 7784 Warneton
Address and contact
Comité de la fête des Mountches
- +32(0)473 47 57 28
- brun.jl@gmail.com
