"Mons, a medieval town with strong traditions!" Top 5 Page for this destination Mons by ptitetoile

Mons Travel Guide: 232 reviews and 413 photos

Mons, a medieval town with strong traditions! - Mons

Mons is my birth town and the place where my family lives. It is a small middel-age town, where it is nice to live. You can thrust me... I spend there 22 years of my life :-)).

History

At the time of the Romans, Mons was already a inhabited region : the hill called Castri Locus Montensis was an ideal strategic place for the Romans who build a garrison. Later, they called this hill Montes (it means mountain in latin).

But the real foundation of the town dates back from a little bit later : in 612, Waudru (who decided to dedicate herself to God after a marriage with Madelgaire - called later St Vincent - and the education of her 4 children) built a monastery for women on this hill. After her death, she was considered as the protector of the town and her relic has been conserved and venerated in a shrine above the altar of the Church that took her name : St Waudru.

Population

Mons has a very big student population from all corners of Belgium thanks to the differents universities and schools. During the year, the nightlife is mostly "rhythmed" by the student "evenings" and/or the numerous bars situated in the center of the town.

The inhabitants of Mons are very friendly : they like to have a quiet, simple and nice life : they like to eat, drink, have fun with friends and most of them have that special self-humor that is so characteristic of the Belgian people :-)

The town is dynamic but also quiet and you can enjoy the great stressless atmosphere of the town...in the small streets, in the parcs, at the terrace of a cafe of the grand place...

Tradition

Like a lot of people born in Mons, I have strong attaches with the tradition of Mons that has its climax on the weekend of the Trinity (one week after Whit Sunday, mostly in June) during the "ducasse" which includes parties in the streets with bars, concerts, religious ceremonies, procession and a legendary fight between st Georges and the dragon : the "doudou".

For more info about it, see my travelogue "Mons, town of the doudou". And who knows... maybe you won' t resist to see the Doudou for real THIS YEAR (SUNDAY 3d June)! All "Chambourlettes" (guests invited by people from Mons for the Doudou) are always welcome !!!!

Intro Updated Apr 5, 2007
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Reviews (24)

Ducasse - the fight called Lumecon - Mons

Ducasse - the fight called Lumecon Things to Do (15)

All the actors go in the circle, the arena covered by yellow sand. And then begins the fight. St Georges on his horse... more travel advice

Ducasse - Taking off of the ballons - Mons

Ducasse - Taking off of the ballons Things to Do (15)

Once the dragon arrives on the grand place, the dragon as to give a tail blow to a group of ballons and thus let them... more travel advice

Ducasse - Walking down the "Rue des Clercs" - Mons

Ducasse - Walking down the "Rue des... Things to Do (15)

To go to the Grand Place where the fight will take place, all the actors of the Doudou takes the street called "Rue Des... more travel advice

Ducasse - Waiting for start of the Doudou - Mons

Ducasse - Waiting for start of the... Things to Do (15)

Just after the the end of the religious procession, another procession takes place, it is the procession of the actors... more travel advice

Local Customs (2)
See All Catching horse hair from the dragon...
Restaurants (3)
See All The top of the culinary art
Transportation (2)
See All Free busses inside the town!!!!

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Climbing in Mons
Shopping (1)
Design and trendy kitsch
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (15)

Sjalen Aug 8, 2007 at 4:51 AM Report Abuse

I missed Mons when I lived in Belgium :(
mimi9877 May 29, 2007 at 6:25 AM Report Abuse

I live in Mons now. Thanks for the informative page. Now I know what to look forward to.
wandeljp Mar 22, 2006 at 11:53 PM Report Abuse

Bon Anniverssaire, Sarah. Quand tu passeras à Mons, caresses le petit singe pour moi et remets le bonjour à Saint-Georges. Jean-Pierre
Bokhari76 Mar 22, 2006 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

Nice informative Mons page with great pics.
delgat Jul 20, 2005 at 10:11 AM Report Abuse

Nice page,amazing pictures :-)
BeChar Jul 4, 2005 at 10:26 AM Report Abuse

Lu, Vu et approuvé! A quand ta photo à la corde (faudra passer un appareil photo à un des chinchins ;-).
Siddha3th Apr 27, 2005 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Really charming pages, Sarah. I love your personal writing style, it made me feel as though I was part of your adventures here :) So long... Siddharth
mtncorg Jan 7, 2005 at 9:19 AM Report Abuse

Does the Dragon 'win' when the signs come down? ;-) Great tips for a neat part of Belgium!
Muya Jul 12, 2004 at 11:40 AM Report Abuse

Great Mons page !!! Amazing job, Frau K ;-)
Mahieu Jun 15, 2004 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Chouettes photos! Mais je ne veux même pas m'imaginer comment elle les prend, si elle a vraiment bu :-)))