Gilles

[1] The earliest documented reference to the Gilles is from 1795, when the revolutionary Directorate attempted to prohibit the wearing of masks.

The traditional origins are a matter of speculation; one legend connects them to Mary of Hungary, who as governor of the Netherlands in 1549 organised a Joyous Entry into Brussels for the visit of her brother Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.

Another theory is that the masks, costume, and hunched back are derived from 17th-century commedia dell'arte, to which local colour has been added such as wearing clogs.

The outfit features a linen suit with red, yellow, and black heraldic designs (the colours of the Belgian flag), trimmed with large white-lace cuffs and collars.

During the afternoon parade, Gilles throw blood oranges to the crowd or at its members, and some wear large, white, feathered hats.