Carnaval de Clerval

The Carnaval de Clerval: a festive tradition of the Doubs

The Carnaval de Clerval is one of the highlights of the associative and festive life of the Pays de Clerval, a small commune in the Doubs nestled in the Doubs valley between Besançon and Montbéliard. Each edition mobilizes residents, local associations, and families around a colorful and convivial event.

A colorful parade

The heart of the carnival is its float parade that crosses the streets of Clerval. Local associations, sports clubs, and families spend weeks preparing decorated floats on various themes, often humorous or topical. Participants, in costume and makeup, parade to music in a good-natured festive atmosphere.

Activities for everyone

The carnival offers a complete program of activities:

• Float parade in the streets of the town center
• Costumed groups and brass bands
• Musical entertainment and DJ
• Food stalls with local specialties
• Games and activities for children
• Popular ball in the evening

A tradition rooted in the territory

The Carnaval du Pays de Clerval is part of a long Franche-Comté festive tradition. The event sometimes alternates from one year to the next between Clerval and the neighboring commune of Sancey-le-Grand, strengthening ties between the two communities. This spring cavalcade tradition is an important moment of social cohesion for this rural territory.

Remarkable associative commitment

The preparation of the carnival is a real collective project. Weeks before the event, volunteers gather in workshops to build and decorate the floats. This strong associative commitment is one of the riches of the Pays de Clerval, where mutual aid and conviviality are essential values.