Carnaval d'Alençon

The return of the carnival to Alençon

After years of interruption, the Carnaval d'Alençon was revived in 2024, bringing a spirit of celebration and conviviality to the streets of the prefecture of Orne. In just a few editions, the event has established itself as an unmissable popular gathering, bringing together thousands of costumed participants and enthusiastic spectators.

Three days of festivities

The carnival unfolds over three days in the spring:

School parades

On Thursday and Friday, students from schools in Alençon and the urban community parade through the city center, accompanied by their teachers. More than 1,000 children parade in costumes through the streets, offering a joyful and colorful spectacle. These parades allow the youngest to experience the carnival and actively participate in the festive life of their city.

The grand Saturday parade

On Saturday afternoon, the grand parade open to all is the highlight of the carnival. The procession starts from the Parc de la Providence around 4:30 PM for a loop of approximately 1.6 km through the city center. Decorated floats, brass bands, Caribbean dance groups, DJ sets, and batucadas liven up the route in a festive and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

A different theme each year

Each edition of the carnival is placed under a unifying theme that guides the costumes and the decoration of the floats. In 2025, the theme "Around the World Journey" invited participants to represent the cultures of the five continents. In 2026, the theme of "imaginary characters" will stimulate everyone's creativity.

The carnival village

The Parc de la Providence hosts a carnival village with entertainment, face painting, creative workshops, and food stalls. This gathering place allows participants to prepare before the parade and to extend the celebration after the procession passes.

A unifying event

The Carnaval d'Alençon has, in a few editions, created a real popular enthusiasm. Associations, schools, families, and groups of friends mobilize to prepare costumes and floats, making the carnival a collective project that strengthens social bonds. The city also invites residents to vote for the theme of the next edition, reinforcing the participatory dimension of the event.