This weekend is the 2026 edition of the Doudou in Mons.
resonate in the streets. More than just an event, the ‘Doudou‘ is a unique moment, deeply rooted in the collective identity. Recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage, the Doudou is the expression of a living tradition, passionately passed down from generation to generation. It is this collective strength, this sincere popular enthusiasm, that makes the Ducasse so rich and unique.
There are four moments of particular importance:
- The descent of the Shrine of relics of Lady Sainte-Waudru, founder of the city
- The procession of the Golden Carriage
- The ascent of the Golden Carriage
- The combat called "Lumeçon": the fight of Saint-George and the Dragon
This is a very busy weekend in Mons and a very popular, busy event. It is not recommended to be on the Grand Place with small children/young people nor on the route of the Lumeçon. There will be a mini Doudou the following weekend for kids to enjoy (see additional Blog Post). Please also be alert to pickpockets during this event. Some useful information about where to park can be found here
Below is the agenda for the weekend:
Friday 29 May
20.00 - Place du Marché aux Herbes, concerts & music entertainments20.50 - Grand Place, concerts
14.30 - Parade of Lumeçon characters with the city officials, from City Hall to Collegiate
Church
18.00 - Parade of Lumeçon characters from Collegiate Church to City Hall
19.00 - Parade from the City Hall to the Collegiate Church where the Dragon will remain
for the night
20.00 - Place du Marché aux Herbes, concert & entertainments
22.00 - Torchlight parade from end of Rue de Nimy to Place Léopold and back to
Grand Place
Sunday 31 May
07.45 - Collegiate Church, Solemn Mass
08.20 - St Georges parade from City hall to Collegiate Church
08.30 - Belfry, carillon concert
08.45 - Golden Carriage with Sainte-Waudru’s relics is taken outside the Collegiate
09.30 - Historical procession departure with all groups
12.00 - Golden Carriage is pushed up along Collegiate Church
12.30 - Fight of Saint Georges and the Dragon, on Grand Place.
The Grand Place is very busy ; people close to the scene will push and try to get some
dragon’s hair for good luck. It is not recommended to be on the Grand Place with small children/young people nor on the route of the Lumeçon.
12:55 - Belfry, Carillon concert
13.00 - concert Place du Marché aux Herbes, & various musical entertainments in the
city.
Until late night, various musical entertainments on Grand Place & around town
Monday 01 June
All day : big commercial sales and market around the city All day : entertainments and music played around the city until late night
10.00 - Belfry, Carillon concert
20.00 - Doudou Sound Party, Grand Place & around town
13.00 - concert Place du Marché aux Herbes, & various musical entertainments in the
city.
Until late night, various musical entertainments on Grand Place & around town
Monday 01 June
All day : big commercial sales and market around the city All day : entertainments and music played around the city until late night
10.00 - Belfry, Carillon concert
20.00 - Doudou Sound Party, Grand Place & around town
Tuesday 02 June
All day : big commercial sales and market around the city All day : entertainments and music played around the city until late night
20.00 - Grand Place, Closing Show and music
22.45 Fireworks on Grand Place
Midnight : Closing Party, Place du Marché aux Herbes
All day : big commercial sales and market around the city All day : entertainments and music played around the city until late night
20.00 - Grand Place, Closing Show and music
22.45 Fireworks on Grand Place
Midnight : Closing Party, Place du Marché aux Herbes
Stay safe but have fun!
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE