Aalst carnival pokes fun at current events

The 87th edition of Belgium’s most famous carnival celebrations kicked off at the weekend in Aalst, with a parade that mercilessly poked fun at politicians and current events. No subject was off-limits, and no one was spared from caricature, from local politicians to world terrorists, De Morgen reports.

The carnival floats included caricatures of IS (Islamic State) terrorists, parodies of Queen Fabiola’s death, references to the extension of the retirement age to 67, N-VA politician Bart De Wever holding the reins on prime minister Charles Michel, and Laurette Onkelinx depicted as ‘the wolf of the Socialist Party’.

Aalst mayor Christoph D'Haese (N-VA) was pleased with the start of carnival season: "It's a wonderful day," he told VTM news. "This is a crucial event for the freedom of expression. Aalst is sending an important signal to Belgium and even the whole world."