What’s on: Flanders plays the fool this weekend
Carnival is right around the corner, with Aalst obviously leading the pack, while the most-excellent Anima film festival launches in Brussels
Aalst Carnival
On Sunday is the big parade, with floats impressive in number, size and creativity. Expect political statements and a bit of bawdiness, though not nearly so much of the latter as you’ll see in the March of the Voil Jeanetten on Tuesday, where men dress as women – or rather, a certain, erm, kind of woman. Must be seen to be believed. The final event of carnival on Tuesday is the burning in effigy of a giant wooden figure on Grote Markt. In-between all this, on Monday, is the Kids’ Carnival, the Onion Throw (onion-shaped sweets are tossed from a tower, some of them with numbers with prizes attached, get number 1 to win the prized golden onion) and the fantastic Broom Dance. It is carried out by the world-famous folkloric figures called Gilles, dressed in the traditional striped costumes with wax masks and wooden shoes. These are only the highlights of the Aalst Carnival, check the website for the full programme. 3-5 March, across Aalst
Anima
Don’t use the word ‘cartoon’ when talking about Anima, Brussels’ annual film festival dedicated to animated cinema. This is not, for the most part, cute kiddie stuff. Take, for instance, the opening film Another Day of Life, a harrowing story of a Polish journalist travelling through Angola during the civil war. Or Funan, the story of one family’s struggle to survive the Khmer Rouge regime of 1970s Cambodia (pictured). Both these films are based on true stories, the latter was made by the son of the protagonist of the film. But OK, it’s not all this heavy: Should you have kids, don’t miss the sections programmed especially for them. 1-10 March, Flagey, Heilig-Kruisplein 4, Brussels
Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, 8 March, does not go unnoticed in Flanders. There are events and activities all across the region and in Brussels, from discussions to hip-hop festivals. Check out, for instance, the talk by Nina Power, the British author of One Dimensional Woman, a look at contemporary portrayals of women. Or the launch of the La Belle Hip-Hop festival, which lasts eight days, features women from eight countries and takes place in eight venues in Brussels. In Ostend, poetry and music combine for WoordZee, while Ghent holds a Privilege Walk. Check out your city’s local agenda for events near you. 8 March, across Flanders and Brussels
Get tickets now: Dylan Moran
Dylan Moran is one of the best-selling stand-ups in the world for a reason: The delivery and references to current affairs, politics and culture make this an easy show to love. Tickets to see the English comedian and actor (Notting Hill, Calvary, Shaun of the Dead) are going fast, in both Brussels and Antwerp, so don’t wait to secure your seat 7 April 20.00, Koninklijk Circus, Onderrichtstraat 81, Brussels; 9-10 April 20.15, Arenburgschouwburg, Arenbergstraat 28, Antwerp
Photos: Aalst Carnival/©Gert Swillens, Funan courtesy Lunanime, La Belle Hip-Hop/Yacko courtesy Bicara
