visitMons_GrégoryMathelotThe Climb of the Golden Coach
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visitMons_GrégoryMathelotvisitMons_GrégoryMathelotA highlight of the Ducasse of Mons, the ascent of the Golden Coach marks the conclusion of the procession of Sainte-Waudru’s shrine. At noon, a human tide gathers at the foot of the collegiate church to help the ceremonial carriage climb the Sainte-Waudru ramp.
Emotions run high as the Golden Coach reaches the base of the Sainte-Waudru ramp. It is exactly midday. The atmosphere is festive. At the windows, on the ledges, the people of Mons are everywhere. They applaud the procession, then Saint George, who leads the Golden Coach. Everyone wants to be part of the event. The scene is broadcast on television. Throughout the Mons region, people watch as the Golden Coach returns to the collegiate church.
In one unified push, the Golden Coach must climb the Sainte-Waudru ramp and reach the church. If the ascent fails, misfortune is said to fall upon the city during the year. Needless to say, the people of Mons take this mission to heart! The two tons of the Golden Coach do not frighten them. With all their strength, in a rare moment of unity, they push the carriage so that it reaches the top in a single, uninterrupted effort. From the windows, residents cheer, clapping their hands and stomping their feet. For 30 seconds, every eye is fixed on the carriage. Never have the people of Mons failed in their duty. Each time, the Golden Coach has climbed the ramp without stopping.
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Ville de Mons_Oswald Tlr.
Yannick MerckxAt the top of the ramp, cries of joy ring out. As one, the people of Mons have fulfilled their mission. They express their love for Sainte-Waudru, the founding mother of the city. For a whole year, the city can sleep soundly.
But no sooner have the relics returned to the collegiate church than Saint George begins preparing to face the Dragon.
Accompanied by the characters of the Lumeçon, he descends Rue des Clercs to reach the Grand-Place.
The battle known as the Lumeçon is about to begin.
