About Ducasse de Mons - Le Doudou
The Doudou of Mons – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
On 30 and 31 May 2026, the city of Mons will celebrate one of its oldest and most spectacular traditions: the Ducasse de Mons, known as the Doudou. Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2008, this massive festival has its roots in the veneration of Saint Waudru, the city’s patron saint, and is one of Belgium’s most moving folk events.
On Saturday evening at 8.00 pm, the golden shrine of Saint Waudru is solemnly carried down from the Collegiate Church on the ‘Car d’Or’ – a 17th-century processional float drawn by white horses – amidst a silent and moved crowd. On Sunday morning, the grand procession of the Car d’Or sets off at 9.30 am, followed at 12.30 pm by the famous Battle of the Lumeçon on the Grand-Place, where Saint George battles the dragon to the cheers of the crowd. According to tradition, if the dragon loses a few strands of hair during the battle, the year will be a fruitful one.
Entry is free – the entire festival takes place in the public spaces of Mons.
Address:
Grand-Place and Collégiale Sainte-Waudru, 7000 Mons.
Programme:
ducassedemons.info
