Maîche Carnival

The biggest carnival in Grand Est

Every March, the small town of Maîche, nestled in the Haut-Doubs on the Swiss border, transforms into the capital of celebration and costumes. The Maîche Carnival is recognized as one of the largest carnivals in eastern France, attracting thousands of visitors from Doubs, Franche-Comté, Alsace, and neighboring Switzerland for a weekend of colorful popular festivities.

A weekend of celebration for everyone

The Maîche Carnival spans three days with a rich and varied program:

• Friday evening kicks off the festivities with a free concert evening that sets the town ablaze. Various artists take the stage to warm up the atmosphere and launch the carnival weekend.
• Saturday is dedicated to the children's parade through the streets of Maîche, a tender and colorful moment where the youngest march in costume. The evening continues with a carnival evening offering several musical atmospheres and DJ sets.
• Sunday afternoon is the highlight: the grand parade of floats, accompanied by bands and orchestras, winds through the streets of Maîche in an explosion of color, music, and confetti. The procession culminates with the burning of the Bonhomme Carnaval in Place de la Rasse, a symbolic ritual marking the end of winter and the renewal of spring.

A deeply rooted tradition

The Maîche Carnival draws its roots from a long Franche-Comté festive tradition. Driven by a team of passionate volunteers and supported by the Communauté de Communes du Pays de Maîche, the event is a powerful vector of social connection and local pride. Each year, a theme is chosen to inspire the floats, costumes, and entertainment: in 2026, the theme is "Ça va cartooner !" (It's going to be cartoony!), promising a colorful parade inspired by the world of cartoons and comic strips.

Conviviality and popular atmosphere

Throughout the weekend, association stands offer food and drinks under tents, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere despite the still cool temperatures of Haut-Doubs in March. The carnival is also an opportunity for local associations to mobilize and participate in the festive life of their region.