Stavelot - Blancs Moussi

The town of Stavalot grown around the "Abbey of Stavelot", founded in 648 by St. Remaclus, is known for its carneval tradition "Laetare de Stavelot".

When Stavelot was the capital of the "Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy", ruled by a prince-abbot, it was forbidden for the monks to take part in the popular festivities. According to legend, the inhabitants of Stavelot decided to make fun of this prohibition by dressing up as monks to celebrate carnival. In 1502 they created a white costume with a hood referring to the monastic habit. The Stavelotains added to the costume a strange mask with a very long, red and pointed nose.

The "Blancs Moussis" (= white clad) exist since more than 5 centuries. After WWII the "confrérie des blancs moussis" was founded to keep the custom alive.

Here are two large Blancs Moussi-heads hanging over the "Imprimerie R. Schmitz".

www.blanc-moussi.com/