The city of Aalst, Belgium, is taking heat for a carnival that featured caricatures of Jewish people and costumes depicting stereotypes against Jews.
People in attendance at the annual event, which also made headlines last year for anti-Semitism accusations, were dressed in fur hats, long fake noses, and ant costumes, the BBC reported Monday.
“Even though Aalst Carnival is much more than that, these facts detract from our values and reputation of our country,” Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes said in a statement, according to the Associated Press, adding that stereotypes that stigmatize certain people “lead to division.”
“It endangers society,” she said. “Specifically, when it comes to repeated and conscious actions.”
Aalst Mayor Christoph D’Haese denied the claim that there were anti-Semitic elements to the parade.
“I did not see an anti-Semitic or racist parade. To the contrary, I saw a high mass of free speech and creativity,” D’Haese said. A spokesman for the mayor added, “It’s our humor … just fun.”
In addition to the costumes mocking Jews, a number of other figures were mocked as well, including U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brexit, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and Jesus Christ on the cross.
