Whit Monday
Historical Context
Whit Monday is an official public holiday that falls 50 days after Easter. Together with Whit Sunday, it forms a long weekend, usually in May or early June.
Whitsun commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is considered the birthday of the Christian church. The name derives from the Greek word "pentecostè", meaning "fiftieth day". Whitsun is one of the three great Christian feasts alongside Easter and Christmas. In the early church, Whitsun also marked the end of Eastertide, a fifty-day period beginning with the resurrection. Whit Monday has been a statutory public holiday since 1948.
Whit Monday forms a natural long weekend together with the Sunday. Across Belgium, these days are used for events and festivals. The Ducasse de Mons (Doudou), a UNESCO heritage festival, traditionally takes place on Trinity Sunday weekend, one week after Whitsun. In numerous villages, Whitsun walks through woods and fields are organised. The pleasant spring weather makes the weekend popular for terrace visits, flea markets and cycling trips through the Flemish or Walloon countryside.
Regional Traditions
Mons
The Ducasse de Mons (Doudou) is UNESCO heritage since 2005. On Trinity Sunday, Saint George battles a dragon on the Grand Place, accompanied by "Chinchins" and devils. Spectators try to pull hairs from the dragon's tail for good luck.
Ecaussinnes
The Goûter Matrimonial of Ecaussinnes is a matchmaking feast held on Whit Monday since 1903. Singles are invited to a banquet at the castle, with the aim of finding a partner.
Flanders
Whit Monday falls ten days after Ascension Day, meaning employees who already took a bridge day after Ascension enjoy two long weekends in quick succession. Flea markets and village fairs are popular.
Antwerp
The Sinksenfoor is Belgium's largest fair and traditionally opens at Whitsun. Its origins go back to a 13th-century annual market. Over 150 attractions are set up at Spoor Oost for five weeks.
Kortrijk
The Sinksenfeesten transform the entire city centre over the Whitsun weekend. The highlight is the Peperbollenworp on the Grote Markt, throwing the typical Kortrijk pepperballs into the crowd. A city-wide flea market draws thousands of visitors.