Carnivalesque Adventures

This is a good time to dive back into the last completed album of Hergé: Tintin and the Picaros. The Carnival invites itself into the pages of this colourful story which hides some little treasures.

Belgium has nothing to envy Brazil

A real outlet for the pressure of laws and religion, Carnival is the last opportunity to enjoy a party before the long period of Lent.

The characteristic particularism of Belgium has resulted in the emergence of numerous processions, parades or carnival. Each village, each region fiercely maintains its tradition: an opportunity to cultivate, with gaiety or seriousness, this need to belong and this sociability which are the foundations of the popular identity.

In Tintin and the Picaros, Hergé creates an imaginary folklore group. There is no doubt that the cartoonist was inspired by real groups from our regions such as the famous Gilles de Binche, the Blancs Moussis of Stavelot or the Chinels of Fosses-la-Ville.

Where's Wally?

Hergé, who is undeniably realistic, indulged in a few fantasies during the Carnival sequence. The author made numerous references to other famous characters.

In plates 54, 59 and 60 there are carnival characters dressed as Asterix, Snoopy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.