Ana Miranda
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Toolbox
  • Multilingual Home Literacy
  • Contact

Carnaval in Aalst, Belgium

12/3/2014

4 Comments

 
I was never a Carnaval person. “But you’re Brazilian!” you’ll say. Sorry to disappoint you, but not every Brazilian can dance samba, play soccer or spends their weekends half-naked on the beach. 

BUT. I do like to laugh and have fun and I’m very curious about traditions in other countries.

This was the third time I was here for Carnaval and hadn’t seen it yet. In 2012 I went to Porto. In 2013 we simply didn’t go (probably because the repeated “It’s too marginal” comments killed my mood).

I had heard a lot about the parades, the traditional costumes and the throwing of oranges (Onions? Carrots?) at the crowd.  So this year I thought: What’s wrong with marginal? This is a great event and I want to see it! And so we did.

We went to Aalst and spent the afternoon watching the parade, which featured groups of every size who made fun of everything you can imagine:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
We drank our big cans of Jupiler and ate street food. 

We laughed at people and their hilarious costumes. And of course I didn’t understand a word of their dialect, Oilsjters, present on every float, poster, costume and songs.

Even though Belgium doesn’t have samba or our incredibly hot weather (which leads to people's half-nakedness), the spirit of Carnaval is the same everywhere: people dress up, get drunk, throw confetti, sing silly songs and forget about real life for a few days. 

I'm still not fond of drunken crowds, but next year I definitely want to check out Binche. In the name of curiosity and culture! 

Have you been to Carnaval abroad? Leave a comment below! 

 

4 Comments
Leidiane
13/3/2014 12:06:39 pm

Interesting.. I was never a Carnaval brazilian person either.. but I like watching it on tv.. I have never been to any carnaval parades besides the brazilian ones, of course. I wonder who started with this idea!

Reply
Ana Elisa Miranda
14/3/2014 05:54:03 am

Hi Leidi!

I also liked watching the parades on tv sometimes.
I'm not sure how Carnaval started here in Belgium, I'm gonna ask around!

Reply
mrs. Isinvar link
16/3/2014 04:18:21 am

I guess next year I'll have to check out the Carnaval in Aalst. I've never seen a Carnaval parade before.

Reply
Ana Elisa Miranda
16/3/2014 01:24:42 pm

It's fun! You should definitely check it out :) Or maybe Binche together?

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Hey! I'm Ana - a teacher who loves reading, writing, traveling and nature. 

    Categories

    All
    Au Pair
    Belgium
    Book Reviews
    Guest Post
    Interview
    Learning
    Living Abroad
    Positivity
    Purpose
    Recipes
    Travel
    Writing

    My Guest Posts
    Disclosure and Privacy
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.