Ducasse de Mons

Name: Ducasse de Mons
Start: 2025-06-07
End: 2025-06-15
Location: Mons

A Week of Legend and Joy Uniting the City with the Roar of a Dragon

2025/06/07 - 2025/06/15

Every spring, the Belgian city of Mons is filled with excitement for a week-long celebration known as Ducasse de Mons (Le Doudou). Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival’s biggest highlight is the dramatic reenactment of the battle between Saint George and the dragon. With over 100,000 visitors from Belgium and abroad, this traditional event is a must-see for history lovers and anyone wanting to feel the unity and energy of the local community.

The thunderous cheers of the crowd, the aroma of freshly baked waffles and beer, and the sight of a giant dragon puppet weaving through medieval streets—during this week, Mons becomes a stage where legends come to life and everyone feels like family.

Main Attractions

The Lumeçon (Battle of Saint George and the Dragon)

The main highlight is the “Lumeçon,” a dramatic battle between Saint George and a giant dragon held in the Grand Place (central square). Saint George and his allies face off against the dragon with green scales and a gaping mouth, while young townsmen known as “White Men” protect the hero and try to grab the dragon’s tail. The sound of wooden swords clashing and confetti flying through the air creates an atmosphere of pure excitement—this is the very soul of Mons.

Processions and Parades

During the festival, there are solemn processions carrying the relics of Sainte Waudru (the patron saint of Mons), as well as lively parades with guilds, brass bands, and flower-adorned floats. The rhythm of drums, music, and laughter echoes through the cobbled streets.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants dress in colorful medieval costumes—knights, townsfolk, dragons, and angels. The Grand Place and surrounding streets are decorated with banners, flowers, and dragon-themed art, and shop windows display special festival decorations. Touching the dragon’s tail is said to bring good luck for a year, and the feel of traditional rough fabrics and the city awash in red and green leave a lasting impression.

Traditional Food & Drink

No Belgian festival is complete without street food. At Ducasse de Mons, you’ll find golden frites, grilled sausages, rich waffles, and local beer. The scent of grilled meats and sweet pastries fills the squares, and families and friends gather for picnics in the festive atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Ducasse de Mons date back to 1349, when the city was struck by the plague (Black Death). At that time, in hopes of ending the epidemic, the relics of Sainte Waudru were carried through the city for the first time in a procession known as the “Car d'Or.” According to legend, the plague subsided after this procession, and since then, the tradition of parading the golden carriage (Car d'Or) with the relics has continued every year.

In the 15th century, the “Lumeçon”—a play symbolizing the Christian battle between good and evil, with Saint George slaying the dragon—was added to the festival. This performance became a symbol of hope and courage for the people of Mons, representing triumph over plagues and misfortune. The Lumeçon is held in the Grand Place, filling the city with an overwhelming sense of unity and excitement.

The festival developed as a unique blend of religious procession, folk tradition, and community celebration. Today, it is one of Belgium’s largest traditional events, lasting a week and attracting over 100,000 visitors. Preparation and roles are passed down through families and local communities, with people of all ages participating across generations.

In 2005, Ducasse de Mons was registered as part of the “Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France” on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The festival is cherished as a living tradition, symbolizing the pride, identity, and resilience of the people of Mons.

Participant Voices

I came from the Netherlands as a tourist, and while enjoying a picnic with a local family, they explained how the festival connects people of all ages and how important the dragon is to Mons. I was overwhelmed by the city’s energy and sense of unity.

Fun Facts

The dragon puppet “Le Dragon” is over 10 meters long and operated by dozens of people.
It’s said that grabbing the dragon’s tail during the Lumeçon brings good luck for a year.
“Le Doudou” is the affectionate local nickname for the festival.

Festival Dates

Ducasse de Mons is held every year from late May to early June in Mons, Belgium. For detailed dates and program information, check the official website or the Mons tourism board.