Carnaval de Corbeil-Essonnes

The Carnaval de Corbeil-Essonnes: a festive tradition on the banks of the Seine

Corbeil-Essonnes is a town in the Essonne region, built at the confluence of the Seine and the Essonne rivers, rich in industrial history and remarkable architectural heritage. Its carnival, which has developed over the decades, has become a popular event in local life.

Origins: The Venetian Carnival

The history of the Carnaval de Corbeil-Essonnes is intimately linked to the Carnaval Vénitien, born in 2003 on the initiative of the MJC association and the sewing workshop led by Norma Di Sciullo. That year, five Venetian costumes were created, and the first masked parade brought together 65 participants.

The event quickly grew, extending to the neighboring town of Soisy-sur-Seine to become "À Corbeil-Essonnes et à Soisy-sur-Seine comme à Venise" (In Corbeil-Essonnes and Soisy-sur-Seine like in Venice). At its peak, the Venetian carnival brought together 180 to 200 costumed characters from all over France and even Belgium, with activities on the water (masked boat parade on the Essonne river), exhibitions, and entertainment.

A popular and colorful carnival

The Carnaval de Corbeil-Essonnes offers a festive program for the whole family:

• A carnival parade through the streets of the city center with floats, costumes, and musical entertainment
• Street shows: acrobats, stilt walkers, fanfares, and DJs
• Children's entertainment: face painting, games, creative workshops
• Gastronomic stands with regional specialties
• A handover of the city keys to the King or Queen of the Carnival

Corbeil-Essonnes, a city of character

With approximately 50,000 inhabitants, Corbeil-Essonnes is one of the important towns in the Essonne region. Its historic center retains beautiful testimonies of its medieval and industrial past, including the moulins de Corbeil (mills of Corbeil), the developed banks of the Seine, and the Saint-Spire collegiate church. The city is accessible by RER D (Corbeil-Essonnes station).