St Waudru Procession: Doudou Tunes, Procession of the Golden Carriage and Battle of the Lumeçon

The Procession of the Golden Carriage is 657 years old and has been recognised as Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In Mons on 3 June 2012

On Sunday, from 9.45am until noon, a procession that was once religious and is now historical, sets off from the Collegiate Church of St Waudru and crosses the streets of Mons. The procession's history dates back to the time when an outbreak of the Plague was allegedly arrested thanks to the prayers addressed to St Waudru by the people of Mons.

The sumptuous Golden Carriage at the end of the parade carries the reliquaries of the Saint. After the procession, at about 12.30pm, an enormous crowd gathers in the main square of Mons to the tune of the Doudou (the typical song for this festival) to watch St George on horseback fighting and slaying the dragon. This mediaeval performance clearly symbolises Good triumphing over Evil.

The fight, called "Lumeçon", comes from a mediaeval game where Saint Georges and the Dragon fight each other helped by numerous allies.

The Doudou takes place on Sunday but the festivities start on the previous Thursday and end on the following Wednesday.

The Doudou is:

• a ritual Ducasse: recognised Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity with 4 highlights: taking down the shrine from its altar, the procession of the Golden Carriage, the ascent of the shrine and the Lumeçon combat between St George and the Dragon.
• festive Ducasse: concerts, Military Music festival, sale, etc.
• the little Lumeçon: a real combat on 10 June solely dedicated to children.

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