Bal du Rat mort

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

Announcement of the first Bal du Rat mort in 1898
The Bal du Rat mort, 1968

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

References

External links

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