Bal du Rat mort explained

The Bal du Rat mort ("Ball of the Dead Rat")^[1] is an annual masquerade ball held in Ostend, Belgium in the casino.^[2] The event was first held in 1898.^[3]

History

In 1898, a group of members of the Cercle Cœcilia from Ostend travelled to Paris. Joined by Anglo-Belgian painter James Ensor they visited Montmartre night-spots such as the Moulin Rouge and a small venue known as "Le Rat Mort". On their return to Belgium, they decided to host a ball named in its honour.^[4]

Costume themes

Recent Bal du Rat mort costume themes include

• 2009: "Arabian Nights"^[5]
• 2010: "Out of Africa"^[5]
• 2011: "Land of the Rising Sun"^{[3] [5]}
• 2012: "French cancan"^[5]

Notes and References

1. News: The Passing Parade. Moser. Nick. 10 December 1964. Reading Eagle. 22 August 2014.
2. Web site: Belgium - Festivals and events. Rough Guides. Penguin Random House. 22 August 2014.
3. News: Bal Rat Mort kleurt Japans. Jauquet. Dominique. 25 February 2011. Het Nieuwsblad. 22 August 2014.
4. Web site: Le bal du rat mort, sous le signe de james Ensor. 2011. Bpost. 22 August 2014.
5. News: Bal Rat Mort in teken van 'French Cancan'. Jauquet. Dominique. 2 December 2011. Het Nieuwsblad. 28 August 2014.