Bal du Rat mort

The Bal du Rat mort ("Ball of the Dead Rat")[1] is an annual masquerade ball held in Ostend, Belgium in the Kursaal, Ostend [nl] casino.

[3] In 1898, a group of members of the Cercle Cœcilia from Ostend travelled to Paris.

Joined by Anglo-Belgian painter James Ensor they visited Montmartre night-spots such as the Moulin Rouge and a small venue known as "Le Rat Mort".

On their return to Belgium, they decided to host a ball named in its honour.

[4] Recent Bal du Rat mort costume themes include