Facts for Kids

Mons is a lovely city located in Belgium 🇧🇪, which is in Europe. It’s the capital of the Hainaut province and has a history that goes back over 1,000 years! The city is famous for its beautiful architecture and charming streets. One of the coolest things about Mons is the Grand Place, a large square where people gather for events and fun. There’s also a giant bell tower, called the Belfry of Mons, which is 87 meters tall! 🌟

Every year, Mons celebrates a festival called the Ducasse, where there are parades, music, and lots of food.

Mons has a rich history! 🏰

It was founded as a Roman city called "Bavay" around 43 AD. Throughout the centuries, it changed hands many times! During the medieval times, the city grew and became important for trade and commerce. In 1515, the famous artist, Raphael, visited Mons! The city also played a role in both World Wars. In 2015, Mons was named a European Capital of Culture, showing how important and beautiful it is to this day! 🎉

Cities around the world can be very different! 🌍

There are historical cities, like Mons, filled with ancient buildings. Then there are modern cities, such as Tokyo in Japan 🇯🇵, known for its tall skyscrapers. Some cities are very small with a few thousand people, like Bar Harbor in Maine, USA 🇺🇸, while others can be huge, like New York City with over 8 million people! Cities can be coastal, like Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺, or landlocked like Mons.

Mons is home to several interesting landmarks! ⛪

️ One of the most famous is the Saint Waudru Cathedral, which has stunning stained glass windows. Another cool place is the Mons Memorial Museum, where kids can learn about the city’s history, especially during the World Wars. There’s also the medieval belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers an amazing view of the city from the top! 🏞

️ Mons is surrounded by lovely gardens and parks, perfect for picnics and playing!

Mons loves to celebrate! 🎈

One of the biggest events is the Ducasse de Mons, held every year in September. During this festival, there are parades with colorful costumes, dancers, and even a giant puppet! 👹

The city also hosts a Light Festival, where artists create beautiful light installations all over Mons. Many visitors come to enjoy the food stalls and live music. Throughout the year, Mons has concerts and fun fairs that bring families together!

Did you know that Mons has a giant lion statue? 🦁

The Lion of Mons is made of bronze and was created to honor soldiers who fought in World War I. Mons also has a unique underground passage called "Les Halles." People used to shop here, and now it’s a cool place for events! The city has a tradition of singing "Mademoiselle d’Bramont," a fun song that kids learn. Mons might be small, but it has a big heart and a lot of exciting stories! 🎶