Thousands of people try to grab hairs of the dragon, which supposedly brings luck, during the battle known as Lumeçon May 27, 2018 in Mons, Belgium. (U.S. Army photo by Christophe Morel)

City of Mons to host Doudou June 12-23

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- From June 12 to 23, more than 250,000 people will participate in the Doudou, a popular event that happens annually in Mons, Belgium. 

Mons’ Doudou, also called the Ducasse, was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." The most anticipated part of the event will be “Trinity Weekend,” during which the public will pay tribute to Saint Waudru, the patron saint of the city, and will participate in the battle known as the "Lumeçon."

On evening of June 15, starting at 8 p.m., there will be a ceremony in the Collegiate Church, during which the Dean of the Church will entrust the Relics of Saint Waudru to the city’s mayor. At the ceremony’s end, all participants will sing the song of the "Doudou." A torch-light procession from Rue de Nimy to the Grand-Place will start at 10 p.m.

On June 16, the traditional procession will start at 9:30 a.m. from the Collegiate Church, followed by the Golden Carriage ("Car d'Or") at noon.

At 12:30 p.m., Saint George will fight the dragon on the Grand Place during the “Lumeçon.” He will be accompanied by the Devils, the Chin-chins, the men in white, the leaf men, the firemen and the policemen. The combat will last about a half hour to the sounds of the "Doudou" music. Thousands of people will try to grab hair of the dragon’s tail, because it supposedly brings good luck. At the end of the "Lumeçon," after a few attempts, Saint George will finally kill the dragon with a last pistol shot, and the bells of Mons will start playing. The festivities will continue with musical entertainment.

Excitement gradually grows throughout Trinity Weekend. On June 14, there will be a free concert at 10 p.m. with Mustii, Bastian Baker, Typh Barrow and Killer Queen.

On June 17, after the Trinity Weekend, there will be the second "Doudou Sound Party" where few DJs will perform on the Grand Place. There will be also traditional street markets on June 17-18.

Don't miss the fireworks on June 18 at 10:45 p.m. on the Grand Place.

ROAD CLOSURES

Many streets will be closed during the Doudou, especially from June 14-18. There will be fixed barriers 24 hours a day at different places in the city center and also removable barriers in select locations.

Parking will be available on Rue Damoiseau, Avenue Maistriau, Avenue du Tir, Avenue des Guérites, Place Nervienne, Chaussée du Roeulx/Chaussée de Binche, at the Grand Large (with free shuttles to the city center), Lotto Mons Expo (with free shuttles), Rue de la Halle and the Mons train station. Please remember that some parking areas will close at night.

If you attend the event, please remain vigilant and maintain situational awareness at all times.

Story by Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs