[5] The first written records of the Carnival of Binche date back to 1394, the festivities then corresponding to the beginning of Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter).

Street performances and public displays traditionally occur on the Sundays approaching Ash Wednesday, consisting of prescribed musical acts, dancing, and marching.

Appearing, for the most part, on Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras),[7] the Gilles are characterised by their vibrant dress, wax masks and wooden footwear.

[1] From dawn on the morning of the carnival's final day, Gilles appear in the centre of Binche, to dance to the sound of drums and ward off evil spirits with sticks.

[3] Later during the day, they don large hats adorned with ostrich feathers, which can cost more than $300 US dollars to rent,[8] and march through the town with baskets of oranges.