Bal du Rat mort
The Bal du Rat mort is an annual masquerade ball held in Ostend, Belgium in the casino. The event was first held in 1898.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.Recent Bal du Rat mort costume themes include
- 2009: "Arabian Nights"
- 2010: "Out of Africa"
- 2011: "Land of the Rising Sun"
- 2012: "French cancan"