Carnaval de Cassel
The Flemish carnival inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list with the giants Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman
About Carnaval de Cassel
The Carnaval de Cassel is one of the oldest and most authentic carnivals in French Flanders, inscribed since 2008 on the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO as part of the Processional giants and dragons of Belgium and France. Cassel has the particularity of celebrating two carnivals per year: the winter carnival around Mardi gras and the summer carnival on Easter Monday. The giants Reuze Papa (created in 1827) and Reuze Maman (created in 1860) dominate the parades from their 6 meters high, accompanied by Flemish music and popular dances.
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The Carnaval de Cassel: a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Carnaval de Cassel is one of the jewels of the festive heritage of French Flanders. Inscribed since 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO and on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013, this carnival perpetuates a centuries-old tradition around its two legendary giants.
Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman: the giants of Cassel
Reuze Papa was created in 1827 by Ambroise Bafcop, an artist from Cassel. Measuring 6.25 meters and weighing 94 kg, he is carried on the shoulders of two carriers. Reuze Maman, created in 1860 by Alexis Bafcop, Ambroise's brother, originally represented a fisherman's wife with a basket, recalling Cassel's role as an important hub for fish transport in the 19th century.
Two carnivals per year
Cassel has the unique distinction of celebrating two carnivals per year. The winter carnival takes place on Mardi gras weekend, while the summer carnival, also known as the Réveil de Cassel, takes place on Easter Monday and is traditionally the more popular of the two. Each carnival follows an unchanging ritual: the awakening to the sound of drums and cymbals in the morning, followed by the parade of giants in the afternoon and the triumphant return in the evening.
Flemish music and dances
The Cassel carnivals are inseparable from their musical atmosphere. For three days, in the streets and in the estaminets, the sounds of Flemish, Scottish, Auvergne, or Breton bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, violins, and accordions resonate. Folk and modern music concerts offer the opportunity to sing and dance to the rhythm of living traditions.
The legend of Mont Cassel
According to local legend, Reuze Maman dropped her load and Reuze Papa followed her: this is how Mont Cassel was founded, with the Mont des Récollets nearby. This popular legend anchors the giants in the very landscape of Flanders.
Carnaval de Cassel — edition 2026
The Carnaval de Cassel 2026 will be held on February 17 for the winter carnival (Mardi gras) and on April 6 for the Réveil de Cassel (Easter Monday). The giants Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman will parade through the streets of Cassel.
Carnaval de Cassel 2026
The Carnaval de Cassel returns in 2026 with its two traditional events: the winter carnival on February 17 (Mardi gras) and the Réveil de Cassel on April 6 (Easter Monday). The giants Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman will parade through the streets of Mont Cassel to the sound of Flemish music.
Programme Carnaval de Cassel 2026
2026 Dates
- Tuesday, February 17: Winter Carnival (Mardi gras)
- Monday, April 6: Summer Carnival - Réveil de Cassel (Easter Monday)
Prices Carnaval de Cassel 2026
Practical information — Carnaval de Cassel
Access to the carnival
By car
Cassel is located about 50 km west of Lille and 25 km south of Dunkirk. Accessible via the D916 from Hazebrouck or the D933 from Saint-Omer. Free parking available at the foot of Mont Cassel (limited spaces, arrive early). Warning: the town center is completely closed to traffic during parades. Prefer carpooling.
By train
The nearest station is Hazebrouck (10 km), served by TER Hauts-de-France from Lille Flandres (30 min) and Dunkirk (30 min). Plan for transportation (taxi, carpooling) from the station to Cassel, as there is no direct bus link on carnival days.
Important dates
- Winter carnival: Mardi gras weekend (February), intimate and authentic atmosphere
- Summer carnival (Réveil de Cassel): Easter Monday (March-April), the most popular and festive of the two
Typical schedule
- Morning (7h-8h): Awakening to the sound of drums and cymbals in the streets of Cassel
- Afternoon (3 PM): Grand parade with Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman in the streets
- Evening: Triumphant return of the giants, Flemish music concerts in the estaminets
Prices
The carnival is free and open to all. Come in costume to fully participate in the celebration! The estaminets offer Flemish food and drinks at their usual prices.
Catering
- Traditional Flemish estaminets in the center of Cassel
- Le Kastel-Bräu and other local breweries
- Stands for fries, waffles, and Flemish specialties during the carnival
Practical advice
- Come in costume to fully experience the carnival
- Bring comfortable shoes (cobbled and sloping streets on Mont Cassel)
- Mont Cassel offers an exceptional panorama of the Flanders plain, enjoy it
- Warning: the streets are very crowded, stay vigilant with children
Contact
Les Amis de Reuze Papa
Website: carnavaldecassel.fr
Cassel Tourist Office: 03 28 40 52 55
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Carnaval de Cassel
Centre-ville de Cassel
Grand'Place, 59670 Cassel