FRANCE 98 – It's gigantic in Lens

Thirty giants, accompanied by twenty-five brass and woodwind bands, will parade through the streets of LENS on Saturday 13 June between 13 h 30 and 18 h00, as part of the festivities organised by the city council to mark the World Cup. The giants, which are also called “reuzes”, are the traditional symbols of the Nord/Pas-de-Calais region. Since the Middle Ages they have stood for the pride, courage and desire of the people of the north of FRANCE. Monsieur Gayant, who is armed with a sword two metres in length, stands 4.80 metres high and weighs 380 kg, and his companion Marie Cagenon – two renowned representatives of the city of Douai (one of LENS’s neighbouring towns) – have already taken their places within the Stade Felix Bollaert, at the entrance to the mixed zone, bringing with them their imposing and friendly contribution to the security services.