CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Thousands of visitors will gather to celebrate the famous Ducasse of Ath, from Aug. 21 to 24, 2026, in Ath, Belgium. The Ducasse is a centuries-old Belgian festival best known for its enormous processional giants, colorful floats, marching bands and historical groups.
The highlight of the 2026 celebration will take place on Sunday, Aug. 23, when the giants return to the streets of Ath for the traditional parade. This year's celebration is particularly special because the final rondeau of the giants takes place only once every five years.
Goliath, the Philistine giant from the biblical tradition, and Ambiorix are among the larger-than-life figures featured in the Ducasse. The tradition of processional giants in Ath dates back centuries, with Goliath taking part in the city's religious procession since 1481. The Ducasse developed from medieval religious processions and has evolved into a major regional celebration.
The biblical story of David and Goliath is central to the festival, along with local folklore and traditions. The giants are an important part of the city's cultural heritage and are carried through the streets by their bearers. The Ducasse attracts more than 50,000 visitors over several days.
On Friday, Aug. 21, the giant Tirant will make his first appearance at 3 p.m., followed by the Grand Prix du Mayeur archery competition on the Esplanade at 4 p.m. At approximately 10 p.m., Goliath's giant straw-stuffed pants, known as the marronnes, will be burned on the Esplanade after being paraded through the city. The tradition is part of the events surrounding Goliath's wedding and is one of the distinctive rituals of the Ducasse.
Saturday begins at noon when "Julienne," the large bell of St. Julien Church, announces the official start of the festivities. At 3 p.m., Goliath and his bride, accompanied by the Blues groups, will dance from the city hall to St. Julien’s Church for the Vêpres Gouyasse, the traditional wedding ceremony of Monsieur and Madame Goliath. At 5 p.m., the newlyweds return to the city hall, where David the shepherd confronts the giant. They perform a traditional verbal exchange called the Bonimée. If David wins, it will mean a full year of good luck for the city. The traditional tarte à masteilles, a culinary specialty prepared for the Ducasse, is then enjoyed by families through Ath.
Saturday evening will also feature a traditional concert by the Royale Fanfare Union Saint-Martin at 8 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. by a torchlight procession.
On Sunday, Aug. 23, the main parade starts at 9:45 a.m. near the train station and makes its way through the city. The 2026 procession will feature seven giants, eight allegorical floats, marching bands and historical groups. The procession is expected to reach the Esplanade around 2 p.m.
Ath's giant bearers perform an impressive physical feat : the giants are around ten feet tall and weigh between approximately 250 and 285 pounds, yet each is carried by a single person. The bearers rotate through the route.
The giant horse Bayard is an even greater challenge. Weighing more than 1,000 pounds, Bayard is carried by 16 men and dances at several points along the route.
The traditional dance of Goliath and his bride takes place at two specific locations along the route, at the Pont du Gadre and Pont du Moulin.
At 3 p.m., the procession begins its return journey in the opposite direction, eventually arriving at the Grand-Place at approximately 5 p.m.
One of the highlights of the 2026 Ducasse is the final rondeau of the giants.
The rondeau takes place only once every five years at the end of the procession. It is a special gathering involving the giants and the public as the celebration reaches its climax.
Beginning in the morning, the giants roam the city accompanied by their bearers, who receive thanks from local residents as the giants make their way through the streets.
At 5 p.m., the Sainte-Cécile band and Moulbaix cheerleaders will perform on the Esplanade. A hot-air balloon launch is scheduled at 6 p.m on the Esplanade.
If you plan to visit Ath during the festival, be sure to taste the famous tarte à masteilles. This traditional pastry is a culinary specialty prepared for the Ducasse and is traditionally enjoyed by families following the David and Goliath battle on Saturday. You can find it in most bakeries through the weekend.
Ath is located near Chièvres Air Base and is accessible via the N56. Visitors should expect traffic issues and temporary road restrictions around the city during the festival, particularly on Sunday when the main procession moves through the city center.
Parking and access may also be affected by the large crowds.
Visitors should check the City of Ath and Visit Ath websites for the latest information on road closures, parking and traffic restrictions before traveling to the event. Riding the train to and from the event is always a good way to travel.
Don't forget to remain vigilant when attending an event involving large crowds and follow instructions from local authorities and police.