If the Carnival, which usually takes place during the month of March, is the most known part in the public point of view, it is true that the folklore events have started several months before. It is indeed at the approach of the festive seasons that the percussion's rehearsals take place, where the different Gilles societies take the opportunity to take up with their drums. During the months of January and February, the "Soumonces" (general and official rehearsals for the Carnival) take place with music and percussion's.
The "Soumonces" with the percussion's take place during the months of January and February. For an afternoon or a night, they remind one that Laetare time is approaching and along with it the return of the spring (Gilles society "Les Commerçants, CRS Collection).
The members of the folklore societies then go all over the city dressed with the traditional miner costume : cap, navy blue smock and red scarf with white beads. By doing that, they become the actors of what is one of the most beautiful tributes the city could give to the workers who built it, with the force of their labour and courage. Lastly, two weeks before the final apotheosis of the Carnival, the dressed societies create the liveliness during the general "Soumonces" (general rehearsals). Then, a riot of colour and costumes seizes the city.
The "Soumonces générales" : two weeks before the Laetare, the spectacle takes onto the streets : costumes and colours are everywhere during that last rendezvous before the apotheosis of the Carnival (Gilles society "Les Commerçants, CRS Collection).
It is worth noting that while the feast goes on and under the patronage of the Mayor, Grand Master, happens the enthronement of new members of the folklore order "Les Compagnons de La Louve" (Companions of the she-wolf), founded in 1960. By taking their oath, they find themselves as warrants of the protection of the La Louvière customs.
A city folklore is its quintessence. The popular spirit can then freely express, according to a tacit convention to which belongs every participant to the Carnival.
"Delight yourself and forget all your troubles" ! The folklore of La Louvière does not depart from the rules and is true to its image : open, friendly, hearty. In fact, the Laetare is a matter of passion : to be a Gille is a very precious and living inheritage which is passed on from generation to generation, with an accurate sense of feast and tradition. That is why during those three exceptional days where the spectacle is taken onto the streets, La Louvière offered to the visitor its most beautiful jewel : its Laetare.
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