UNESCO removes carnival from heritage list over antisemitism allegations
It featured antisemitic figures, including caricatured Jews with money and rats. “We are neither antisemitic nor racist," the mayor said. "Aalst will always remain the capital of mockery and satire."
Giant figures depicting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (C) and other politicians are seen during the 87th carnival parade of Aalst February 15, 2015. The Aalst Carnival, which is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, often shows informal groups (photo credit: YVES HERMAN / REUTERS)ByRACHEL WOLF