Saint Waltrude Procession (Descente de la Châsse)
Spectacle of costumed participants carrying the golden shrine from the collegiate church to the Grand-Place amid traditional music and prayers.
Doudou of Mons (St George vs Dragon ‘Lumeçon’)
Ducasse de Mons (Le Doudou)
Mons, Belgium
May 30 - 31, 2026Expected
Each year around Trinity Sunday, the Belgian city of Mons erupts for the Doudou, a UNESCO-honored festival going back to the 1300s. Its heart is the Lumeçon, a furious mock battle in the main square where Saint George fights a great dragon before a roaring crowd.
Key moments
Golden Car Ascent (Car d’Or)
Citizens watch the ornate cart proceed through Mons in a celebratory procession following the fight.
Lumeçon (Saint George vs Dragon battle)
Hundreds of costumed 'warriors' and the large dragon float enact a choreographed battle on the city’s main square with drums and crowds cheering.
Where it happens
Grand Place
Mons, Belgium
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
Respect local boundaries
Refrain from touching relics; show respect during prayers/processions. Maintain orderly beh...
Arrive before peak flow
Religious elements (procession) should be approached respectfully. Tourists should follow c...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Doudou of Mons (St George vs Dragon ‘Lumeçon’)
Ducasse de Mons (Le Doudou)
Mons, Belgium
Each year around Trinity Sunday, the Belgian city of Mons erupts for the Doudou, a UNESCO-honored festival going back to the 1300s. Its heart is the Lumeçon, a furious mock battle in the main square where Saint George fights a great dragon before a roaring crowd.
AnchorCultural anchor
May 30 - 31, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Mons residents have celebrated the Doudou since medieval times (first held in the 14th century) as part of their patron saint’s feast. The festival integrates religious tradition (procession of Saint Waltrude’s shrine) with folklore (the dragon-fight battle). UNESCO notes the event provides the community with a sense of identity and continuity by transmitting these customs each year.
Key moments to know
Saint Waltrude Procession (Descente de la Châsse)
Spectacle of costumed participants carrying the golden shrine from the collegiate church to the Grand-Place amid traditional music and prayers.
Golden Car Ascent (Car d’Or)
Citizens watch the ornate cart proceed through Mons in a celebratory procession following the fight.
Lumeçon (Saint George vs Dragon battle)
Hundreds of costumed 'warriors' and the large dragon float enact a choreographed battle on the city’s main square with drums and crowds cheering.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
Respect local boundaries
Refrain from touching relics; show respect during prayers/processions. Maintain orderly behavior in crowds.
Arrive before peak flow
Religious elements (procession) should be approached respectfully. Tourists should follow crowd flow and not ob...
Photo with care
No flash
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 30 - 31, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Mons
Hainaut
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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