CULTURE
Festival's
play an important part in Belgian life. One of the most famous
festivals is the three-day carnival at Binche, near Mons, held
just before Lent. During the carnival, noisemaking and dancing
are led by "Gilles," men dressed in high, plumed hats
and bright costumes.
Another famous pageant is the Procession of the Holy Blood, held
in Brugge in May. December 6 commemorates Saint Nicholas's Day,
an important children's holiday.
Early Belgian artists are credited with inventing oil painting,
so it's no wonder the place has produced more than its fair share
of masterpieces. The Flemish Primitive Jan van Eyck started it
all in the 15th century, Pieter Brueghel followed with his portrayals
of peasant life in the 16th century, and Pieter Paul Rubens dominated
early 17th century art as the leading light of the Baroque period.
In Antwerp, Rubens set up a highly productive studio of painters
and turned out sensational religious allegories such as his famous
Descent from the Cross.
