Dunkerque is a small town in the northernmost tip of France.
It is very close to the border with Belgium
and is actually located on the shores of the North Sea.
Dunkerque’s cultural heritage is illustrated by the wide variety of resources and events: museums, cinemas, theatre, conference centre, cafes with live music, festivals, architectural and historic sites and, of course, the Carnival.
For two months (late January to early March), Dunkerque celebrates the festival that once gave a cheerful send-off to fishermen sailing north to fish
in the dangerous icy waters round Iceland.
Each weekend a different group holds a procession, with crowds of carnival revellers led by a band, and featuring visiting "giants" such as the Scandinavian warrior Reuze Papa
and his wife from Cassell. In the evenings each group holds a lively ball.
Colourful Flemish tradition dates back to the Counter-Reformation in the early 16th century.
It came from Spain and Portugal, when Flanders was part of the Spanish Netherlands.
The Catholic church set out to encourage popular expressions
of piety to ward off the threat of Protestantism.
Large figures were carried in annual religious processions to mark occasions such as the day cock of the town's patron saint.
Most were biblical figures like Goliath or St. Christopher, and they gradually acquired various attendants in masks and costumes.
Each town has a voluntary association, which keeps up the tradition, looks after and repairs the giant figure, and provides the bearers and attendants who accompany
the giant as he or she dances through the streets - while bands play a special giants' tune.
The giants were traditionally made of flexible wickerwork
and they could actually dance with the music of the procession.
Seven hundred hectares of dunes, 15 kilometres of beaches
and a recognised sailing resort make the Flanders coast an increasingly popular seaside resort for tourists who can find quality activities and entertainment all year round.
More than a hundred sports clubs mean you can practice virtually any sport, with excellent facilities.
The availability of plentiful amenities and the organising
of regular international events bear witness to Dunkerque’s sporting dynamism
It is very close to the border with Belgium
and is actually located on the shores of the North Sea.
Dunkerque’s cultural heritage is illustrated by the wide variety of resources and events: museums, cinemas, theatre, conference centre, cafes with live music, festivals, architectural and historic sites and, of course, the Carnival.
For two months (late January to early March), Dunkerque celebrates the festival that once gave a cheerful send-off to fishermen sailing north to fish
in the dangerous icy waters round Iceland.
Each weekend a different group holds a procession, with crowds of carnival revellers led by a band, and featuring visiting "giants" such as the Scandinavian warrior Reuze Papa
and his wife from Cassell. In the evenings each group holds a lively ball.
Colourful Flemish tradition dates back to the Counter-Reformation in the early 16th century.
It came from Spain and Portugal, when Flanders was part of the Spanish Netherlands.
The Catholic church set out to encourage popular expressions
of piety to ward off the threat of Protestantism.
Large figures were carried in annual religious processions to mark occasions such as the day cock of the town's patron saint.
Most were biblical figures like Goliath or St. Christopher, and they gradually acquired various attendants in masks and costumes.
Each town has a voluntary association, which keeps up the tradition, looks after and repairs the giant figure, and provides the bearers and attendants who accompany
the giant as he or she dances through the streets - while bands play a special giants' tune.
The giants were traditionally made of flexible wickerwork
and they could actually dance with the music of the procession.
Seven hundred hectares of dunes, 15 kilometres of beaches
and a recognised sailing resort make the Flanders coast an increasingly popular seaside resort for tourists who can find quality activities and entertainment all year round.
More than a hundred sports clubs mean you can practice virtually any sport, with excellent facilities.
The availability of plentiful amenities and the organising
of regular international events bear witness to Dunkerque’s sporting dynamism
