The most important carnivals France

The carnival is the subject of special attention in Saint-Macaire. After a long tour of the city followed by his costumed faithful and after some cultural activities, Mr. Carnival, no matter how large, is tried and burned on the square of the Mercadiou. A fire not like others with fireworks and other pyrotechniques effects. Meals and costume ball follow. Information: 05 56 63 32 14.

Confetti, costumes and giant, colourful, fairy-tale parades, animated by thousands of people dressed up from all over the world... This is the atmosphere that takes over the streets of Nice every year in February, and has been for over 120 years. This Nice tradition is not just a confetti battle: it embodies the history of the city. On the programme: carnival parades, day and night, the famous Battle of the Flowers and the ritual of the King, burnt on the last day of the event on the beach, punctuated by a grandiose firework display.

each month in February.

Carnaval Biarnés is the biggest carnival in Béarn and one of the biggest in France! This popular event showcases the region's folklore. Pyrenean carnival figures such as bears, wild men and white ladies appear on street corners. There's also the fantastic story of His Majesty Sent Pançard (the embodiment of bad feelings) and his court, who come to witness his trial and cremation, the climax of the event. There's no shortage of fireworks: school carnivals, school bear hunts, street passes, strolls, games, a grand ball, fireworks... the whole town is mobilized for a week of total celebration!

Organized by the Association Béthune Carnaval founded in 1988, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the belfry, this event respects the purest carnival tradition and offers many celebrations in the presence of Gambrinus, the famous Béthunois beer giant! Other giants, made by the inhabitants, will dominate the procession of the Béthunois (25 groups are represented). Two new products in 2019: the chocolate throwing and the arrival of the procession on the Grand' place.

This carnival, which is more than centenary, is part of the institutions. Every year, in February, Jargeau lives for days at the rhythm of many colourful and colourful festivities. The program on the city's website will show you that these festivities always focus on a theme. The "maskers gergoliens", who always sleep only one eye, wake up several times in the year. In the period preceding the winter carnival, they travel through the streets to announce the imminent arrival of His Majesty Carnival, but also in the middle of the summer, in June, for the parade at night, another strong time of the life of this small town on the banks of the Loire. Sommeil in 2016, the carnival resumed in 2017 for the delight of festival goers.

An ideal family outing to unwind! There's plenty to do on this festive day! Parents can take advantage of a large flea market, community stands, an exhibition on the First World War, a colorful flower bike contest and a popular ball in the evening. And there's plenty for children to do too! A fun fair, sports demonstrations, inflatables, face-painting stands and a drawing competition are sure to keep them entertained. At lunchtime, you can all enjoy a country-style buffet. Great fun!

Pézenas' patron saint, Saint Blaise, is widely celebrated in this corner of Occitanie when spring arrives! For almost a month, the streets are alive with music, traditional dances and fancy-dress parades, not forgetting the traditional escoubille stew and its world championship. An event that brings together all generations and bears witness to the fervour of the Occitan people for their traditions!

With its flowered floats, its balls and its animations, the Carnival of Amélie-les-Bains is one of the most beautiful and popular carnivals of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Known since the ^19th century under the name of cavalcade, the carnival sees crowds in jubilation. The most astonishing moment remains the parade of the "Grégoire améliens": penitents dressed in white, bury the Grégoire, the Carnival Majesty, by walking him through the city before burning him in the public square.

During each school vacation period, the castle of Sully is transformed into a fairy tale world and amazes children with its show trips. The actor Thomas Volatier is reincarnated as a colorful character and gives life to the different rooms of the castle during an imaginary story: "Sully Carnavalesque", "Sully en Sucre", "Sully joue sa comédie" or "Frissons À Sully" will punctuate the year 2023. Adults are not left out since in summer and for Halloween, shows are dedicated to them! Let's go for it as a family.

A carnival? No, carnivals! It's a real festival that takes place in the halls and streets of Sarreguemines during more than ten days at the end of February. Do you want to experience an authentic and colourful festival? It takes place every year, one week before Mardi Gras and always takes place according to the same ritual with the princely couple, the Kappensitzung, the great Cavalcade, the masked balls (Balla-Balla) and ends on Ash Wednesday with the condemnation of the Prince. An exceptional event that promises great emotions for the greatest joy of young and old alike! Festive atmosphere guaranteed, in costumes and colours! So, shall we disguise ourselves?