Gilles

As winter loosens its grip and spring begins to stir, the Gilles take to the streets in a vibrant display of heritage, pride, and revelry. Just moments before Lent, they step into their traditional wooden clogs, don their elaborate costumes, and prepare to celebrate Mardi Gras in a way that has been passed down through generations.

The day begins in the early morning with the popping of champagne bottles and the indulgence of fresh oysters—a ritual that sets the tone for the festivities ahead. To the unyielding rhythm of drums and the triumphant call of trumpets, the Gilles march, dance, and toss oranges to the crowds, a symbolic gesture to chase away the lingering cold of winter and welcome the renewal of spring.

They are not alone in this grand spectacle. Alongside them, the Petit Gilles, the Femmes de Gilles, and countless devoted spectators join in the never-ending parade, all swept up in the magic of the moment. The air fills with laughter, music, and the scent of festivity as the celebration carries on from dawn until well into the night.

But as the echoes of their wooden clogs fade and the last drumbeat subsides, the Gilles retreat into their yearly slumber, only to awaken once more when winter threatens to return. Until then, their spirit lingers, a timeless testament to a tradition that refuses to fade.

Travel with me into the world of the Gilles, where history, culture, and celebration collide in an explosion of color and sound!