The Blues (ducasse of Ath)

In the ducasse of Ath, the group of "Bleus" forms the armed escort that accompanies the giant Samson.

Les Bleus are the survivors of the former brotherhood of the gunners-arquebusiers of Ath, placed under the protection of Sainte-Marguerite. The oath of this brotherhood is attested in 1478-1479. The Blues participated in the procession in 1479. The giant Samson was introduced in 1679.

In the 18th century, the "Bleus" group also served as a guard of honor to Goliath and his wife on the Saturday of the ducasse. In 1806, with the rebirth of the procession, the Blues re-enter the procession with Samson and resume their duties on Saturday afternoon. Like Samson, the Blues are dressed in French soldiers, thus recalling the French period in our history.

A cantinière pays them to drink. They fire salvos throughout the course under the orders of their commanding officer.

It is interesting to compare this group with the escorts of the Samson of Austria, who also fire salvoes during Corpus Christi procession. Change the code

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