OUT & ABOUT - Week 7

Loumèn plays at Piola.libri on February 16, 7pm. Photo by Vaya Sigmas. 

CARNIVAL

BINCHE (BE): Carnival in Binche dates back to the 14th century and has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The centrepiece of carnival in Binche are the Gilles, clown-like performers wearing strange masks from wax. This year, the main activities are organised on February 19, 20 and 21 February 2012. The parade takes off on Sunday, 3pm. And, as the Binchois say: "Il n’y a qu’un Binche au monde". NMBS offers a 50% discount on your train ticket.

AALST (BE): Also recognized by UNESCO is the Carnival in Aalst. In Aalst, people celebrate Carnival for a full week. The elected Prince Carnaval is allowed to rule the city from Sunday to Tuesday. At 1pm on Sunday, a large parade of groups and decorated floats will start their journey through the city. NMBS offers a 50% discount on your train ticket.

MAASTRICHT (NL): From the 19th of February until the 21st of February 2012 Carnival in Maastricht will be celebrated, also known as “Vasteloavend in Mestreech”. During this three day festival all people forget their boundaries and the city centre of Maastricht is filled with thousands costumed people. Sunday the 19th of February the annual parade takes place in the city centre of Maastricht. With dazzling decorated vehicles, costumes and music the Carnival celebrating people of Maastricht will go through the city.

COLOGNE (DE): In Cologne the "crazy days" of Carnival begin the Thursday before Rosenmontag and are celebrated with parties on the streets, in public squares and in pubs. Traditionally the gathering of the colourful Corps troops can be seen on Saturday at the Neumarkt. On Carnival Sunday school groups and borough parades take place all over the city. But the highlight of the street carnival is Rose Monday with a kilometre-long Carnival parade.

PARTY

Not a carnival fan? But you do like Snaps, Stockholm, Ikea, and blonde Swedish girls? Then the Swedish Spirit Party might be more your thing! On Friday night,  Eurocrats and Just a Night host another exclusive party at Anglican church-gone-club Spirito Martini. Julien d'Aléo will spin Commercial music, Disco, house, 80's and 90's. The dress code is "Nordic Twist". Doors Open 22:30.

Everybody wants to be classy or exclusive these days, but Filippo and Giorgio just want to have fun! Hotnights is back, and Filippo and Giorgio invite you to the first Hotnights party of the year in Cafe des Halles in St. Gery. Doors open at 9.30pm. Entrance: € 5.00.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Piola.libri presents Perceptions, a photo exhibition by Vaya Sigmas. Vaya's photography explores different states of mind: fantasising, masquerading and contemplating. Three states of mind that shape our perception of our surroundings and encounters and the appearances we maintain. The exhibition opens on February 16 with an acoustic show from Loumèn at 7pm.

CINEMA
Earlier this week, Galeries (previously Cinéma Arenberg) replaced the 10-year old projection screen in screening room 1, this means you can now experience an improved quality and a brighter image. Go to a screening of Albert Nobbs (2011), Go Go Tales (2007) or Sleeping Beauty (2011) and see for yourself! Tickets: € 8.00.

MUSIC
Two scenes, two days, two moods: the [PIAS] Nites play it both ways and plan to change the entire atmosphere from one night to another. With a complete transformation of the venue's space, [PIAS] Nites promises to be intimate and cozy the first night, and electric on the second. Friday, the evening augurs a monumental party thanks to the exclusive presence of M83! Location: Tour & Taxis. Tickets: € 35.00 presale / € 42.00 at the door.