Carnaval de Champigny-sur-Marne

The Carnaval de Champigny-sur-Marne: a festival by the water

The Carnaval de Champigny-sur-Marne is one of the most popular festive events in this large town on the banks of the Marne. Organized each year by the town hall of Champigny and its many partner associations, it brings together families, children, and residents of all ages in a collective celebration of the arrival of spring.

A lively parade through the streets of the town

The parade crosses the main thoroughfares of Champigny-sur-Marne, from the Paul-Vaillant-Couturier district or the Place du Général de Gaulle to the banks of the Marne. The procession brings together a wide variety of participants: floats decorated by community centers, neighborhood associations, and schools, brass bands with shining instruments, batucadas and African percussion groups, as well as dance troupes and costumed groups on the theme of the edition.

Thousands of spectators line the route, many also in costume for the occasion. The youngest ones are sure to ask participants for confetti and candy, which some groups generously distribute as they pass.

The Marne as a backdrop

The proximity of the Marne offers a picturesque setting for the end-of-day festivities. Some editions of the Carnaval de Champigny extend to the banks of the Marne, where a stage is set up for concerts and entertainment. The guinguettes that make Champigny famous then regain their festive spirit of yesteryear, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of the banks of the Marne in the early 20th century.

Participation of schools and youth organizations

The schools of Champigny-sur-Marne are heavily involved in the preparation of the carnival. Workshops for creating costumes, papier-mâché masks, and flags are organized in the weeks preceding the event. On the day of the parade, children proudly march in their creations, supervised by their teachers and the leaders of the leisure centers.

A festive and convivial finale

The day concludes with a musical gathering with entertainment for the youngest, refreshments from associations, and the traditional burning of the Winter Man. It is a moment of sharing and conviviality that marks the end of the festivities and leaves everyone with a warm memory of this day of collective celebration.