Stavelot Laetare

Stavelot's Laetare, the mid-Lent festival, owes its fame to the Blancs-Moussis: dressed in white hooded costumes with long red noses, they tease the crowd with confetti and dried pig's bladders. On Saturday evening the illuminated 'Stallumez-Vous!' parade brings together about 1,500 participants from some thirty societies, followed by a ball in a heated marquee at the Abbey. On Sunday the big parade of about 2,500 participants and 25 folk societies, with floats blowing out clouds of confetti, ends with the Blancs-Moussis rondeau on Place Saint-Remacle. The evening carries on with brass bands at the Abbey and fireworks at 9 pm. On Monday the folk and music societies take to the streets once more.