Carnaval de Cholet

The Carnaval de Cholet: over a century of festive tradition

The Carnaval de Cholet has its roots in the Mi-Carême festivities that animated the town from the end of the 19th century. On April 13, 1905, forty Cholet residents met under the chairmanship of Victor Marie-Baudry, the mayor, to form a permanent festival committee. It was on March 26, 1906, that the first official Mi-Carême of Cholet was held, marking the beginning of a tradition that has lasted for over a century.

Spectacular parades day and night

The Carnaval de Cholet is distinguished by its two major parades: the day parade, where monumental floats parade through the town's streets in an explosion of colors, music, and confetti, and the night parade, a true light show where illuminated floats transform the town center into an enchanting spectacle. Up to thirteen teams of carnival-goers participate in these processions, accompanied by musical groups and dancers.

A week of festivities for everyone

Beyond the parades, the Carnaval de Cholet offers a full week of entertainment: a funfair set up in the town center, the Carnaval Guinguette with its dancing meal atmosphere, the Carnival for Leisure Centers for children, the Grand Prix du Carnaval (night cycling race), and the Carnival for Seniors. Musical entertainment in the town center kicks off the festivities on the first Saturday.

Recognized artisanal know-how

The construction of the floats is the work of passionate volunteers, united within carnival associations such as System'D, founded in 1993, and the Amicale des Carnavaliers de Cholet, created in 1949. These show creators dedicate months of work to building floats that can reach several meters in height, combining techniques of sculpture, painting, and mechanical engineering. Each float tells a story, often humorous or satirical, in the purest carnival tradition.

With nearly 100,000 spectators each year, the Carnaval de Cholet stands as one of the largest carnivals in France and the unmissable festive event in Maine-et-Loire.