Mons Ducasse Festivities: A UNESCO Heritage Celebration
The traditional Ducasse de Mons — affectionately known as “Le Doudou” — is in full swing this weekend, drawing thousands of visitors to the Belgian city of Mons for one of Wallonia’s most cherished cultural events. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2005, the festival runs from May 28 through June 2, with its most important ceremonies taking place on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.
A Centuries-Old Tradition
The Ducasse de Mons traces its origins to the 13th century, with the first known mention dating to 1248. According to RTBF, the people of Mons have already begun celebrating, with final preparations underway on the Grand-Place alongside the first renditions of the Doudou anthem. The festival combines Christian religious tradition with folkloric pageantry, centered on the legend of Sainte Waudru, the patron saint of Mons.
A key historical milestone occurred in 1349, when during a devastating plague epidemic, the reliquary of Sainte Waudru was carried in procession to the heathlands of Casteau. According to tradition, the plague ceased, and the miracle was attributed to the saint. The procession has been repeated annually ever since, fixed to Trinity Sunday.
The Main Events
Saturday evening features the solemn Descent of the Chasse — the copper-gilt reliquary of Sainte Waudru, dating from 1887, is lowered from its position above the high altar of the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru. The Mayor formally accepts responsibility for its protection in a ritual dialogue with the Dean, accompanied by the singing of the Doudou anthem.
Sunday brings the festival’s two centerpiece events. In the morning, the Procession of the Car d’Or (Golden Chariot), dating from 1780, carries the reliquary through the city streets, preceded by some 60 historical groups representing medieval guilds and confraternities. The 4-ton chariot must ascend the steep Sainte-Waudru ramp — local legend holds that if it fails to ascend in one go, a great misfortune will befall the city. The public traditionally helps push the chariot up the incline.
In the afternoon, the Grand-Place hosts the famous Lumeçon combat, a highly choreographed battle between Saint George and a dragon. The performance involves 44 characters, including Saint George mounted on a black horse, the dragon (whose tail hairs are coveted as good luck charms), 12 Chinchins (hobby horses), devils, and leaf-clad figures. The tradition dates from around 1440.
2026 Edition Highlights
This year’s edition features notable guests of honor invited by Mayor Nicolas Martin, as reported by TeleMB. Belgian humorists Virginie Hocq and GuiHome, along with journalist and RTL-TVi news presenter Caroline Fontenoy, are experiencing the Doudou for the first time. Humorist Kody is the official guest of Alderman for Festivities Achille Sakas.
Authorities have implemented an expanded security perimeter for the 2026 edition. According to TeleMB, getting to the festivities by car will be very complicated, and officials are strongly recommending soft mobility options and park-and-ride facilities. Tribune seats for the main events have sold out, reflecting high demand.
Cultural Significance and UNESCO Recognition
The Ducasse de Mons was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, as part of the “Giants and Processional Dragons of Belgium and France” listing. The festival serves multiple social functions: reinforcing community cohesion across generations, expressing Montois local identity, generating economic impact through tourism, and ensuring the intergenerational transmission of traditions.
The festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the return of large crowds in recent years particularly meaningful for the community. A new craft beer, “La Waudru,” has been launched in honor of the patron saint, demonstrating ongoing cultural innovation around the centuries-old tradition.
What to Watch For
As the festivities continue through Monday and Tuesday with a braderie (street sale), military music performances, and traditional folk games, the city of Mons remains immersed in celebration. The official city website invites everyone to join the festivities on Sunday, May 31, for the climax of the 2026 edition. The enduring popularity of Le Doudou — from sold-out tribunes to the launch of new traditions like the Sainte-Waudru beer — underscores the vitality of this UNESCO-recognized heritage in contemporary Belgian life.