Blanc Moussis Carnival of Stavelot

The "Blanc Moussis" ("clad in white") are the icons of this traditional Carnival. Discover these characters in Stavelot, in March 2014.

The costume has a very humble origin, it is made up of a simple bed sheet and a pillow case.

Topped off with a pointed carrot-nosed mask, this costume has taken on a very different meaning in Stavelot. It is also a parody of the fifteenth century monks who were forbidden from celebrating the carnival after a period of excessive freedom and laziness.

Starting on Sunday, the Blancs Moussis wander through the town, putting up their irreverent posters. In the afternoon they leap from the parade on their floats and shower the crowds with confetti while flogging them with pork bladders.

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