Candidates kick off 70th carnival season in Wetteren

Candidates for carnival royalty officially launched the new season in Wetteren, a town in the East Flanders province of Belgium.

Gunther Avez, Illuna Den Haese, and Emmely Van Cauwenberge gathered at café 't Wetteraarke to present themselves to the public. The event marks the start of the lead up to the 70th carnival parade, which will take place on 31 January.

While some candidates like Avez and Den Haese are seeking these titles for the third time, Van Cauwenberge is making her debut. The group aims to build momentum for the upcoming elections held between December and January. The festivities drew participants from other regions, including Roeselare, highlighting the community ties built through years of campaigning. If elected, Avez and Den Haese could become carnival emperor and empress in 2028.

Den Haese also has the opportunity to become the first youth empress in the history of Wetteren.