Carnival & Winter School Holiday

The winter holidays are one of the most popular school holidays in Belgium. Have you ever wondered why? Certainly because they are a synonym for interesting activities and nice events for both adults and children, just like Carnival. The latter is, on the other hand, the perfect excuse for many adults to drink and eat well before the start of the period of fasting. For children, Carnival is the long-awaited day when they can dress up and become whoever they want with their friends and mates.

Carnival 2012

Fancy Dresses and Make up

In order to get ready for these popular holidays, most clothing shops fill their shelves and show windows with the fanciest and most original clothes. The traditional clothes and uniforms of characters such as clowns and witches, as well as those of popular Disney or comic characters like Peter Pan and Superman, still compete with those of new Studio 100 characters like Mega Mindy, Bumba, Piet Piraat and Plop. What about adults? Masks and troll costumes have not lost their charm either. Besides, they are still very easy to find in many shops.

Of course, Carnival clothing always comes with fancy make-up. Eye shadow and red lipstick are enough for little Snow Whites, but regular make-up is probably not the best product for witches, fairies or animal faces. More suitable products can be found on specialised carnival shops, where you can also ask for some make-up tips appropriate for the fancy dress outfit that you have chosen.

Decorate and Celebrate

That is it! Now you have all the party equipment that you need to enjoy an unforgettable Carnival with your friends. In case you are hosting a small fancy dress party, you can also hire a party tent or a DJ and buy some quality beer from an ale dealer. No better way to spend a great time without worrying about tidying up the day after.

Would you now like to discover some of the most popular Carnivals in Europe? Have a look below:

• Binche’s Carnival: Binche’s Carnival forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2003. The famous Gilles of Binche will kick off the Carnival celebrations once again this year. Contact Binche’s Office of Tourism and discover what makes these Carnival celebrations so special.
• Sint-Truiden’s Carnival: Carnival has a long tradition in Sint-Truiden. Each year, Sint-Truiden’s Celebrations Committee organise the Prince’s night march and a masquerade. Also, they celebrate the famous Flemish festivity “Verloren Maandag” with a long procession. Contact Sint-Truiden’s Office of Tourism for further information.
• Dunkirk’s Carnival: This French harbour city is indeed located beyond the Belgian borders; however, borders have little importance when it comes to enjoying such a famous Carnival celebration. Dunkirk’s Carnival, which lasts several weeks, attracts all kinds of visitors every year. Sometimes, the Dunkirk’s Office of Tourism offers special rates and discounts for Carnival tourists.

Winter School Holidays 2012

Nice activities

After the Carnival celebrations, children can still enjoy some freedom during their school holidays. So why not take your little ones to a zoo, a recreation park or a playground and enjoy a fun day out with them? Center Parcs and the Grabbelpas are two options that will equally charm your kids.

Also, it is always a good idea to contact your mutuality or the cultural services of your town hall; sometimes they organise interesting activities for children as an alternative for nurseries.

Have fun!

goldenpages.be