Binche, Germany
The Carnival held in Binche in Belgium is one of the most famous celebrations in all of Belgium. It usually takes place the two days before Ash Wednesday. It was named as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2003. The origins of the carnival date back to 1549.
During the carnival, men known as Gilles dress up in costumes, wear wooden clogs and carry brooms to scare away evil spirits. Later in the evening, the Gilles wear giant ostrich-plume hats and throw oranges to the spectators in the crowd. It’s apparently good luck to be hit with one. Just be sure not to throw it back because doing so is considered to be an insult.