Mulhouse Carnival

Mulhouse Carnival: A Colorful Rhenish Tradition

Mulhouse, an industrial and cosmopolitan city in southern Alsace, comes alive each year to the rhythm of its Carnival, one of the most important in Eastern France. Rooted in the tradition of Rhenish carnivals that animate towns on both sides of the Rhine, the Mulhouse Carnival is a moment of shared joy, extravagant costumes, and popular celebration.

A Story of Renaissance

While the carnival tradition in Mulhouse dates back to at least 1860, with parades documented by the local press, it was in 1954 that the carnival was reborn in its modern form. After World War II, a group of association leaders founded the Groupement des Sociétés Mulhousiennes Réunies (Mulhouse United Societies Group) to revive the festivities. The first parade on March 1, 1954, already attracted tens of thousands of spectators and marked the beginning of an adventure that has continued ever since.

Since then, six successive presidents have guided the organization, growing the carnival into a regional and international event.

The Grand International Parade

The highlight of the carnival is the Grand International Parade, which takes place every Sunday through the streets of the city center. Traditionally launched at 2:31 PM (odd minutes bring good luck in carnival!), the procession stretches for about 2 kilometers and brings together over 2,000 participants: decorated floats, music bands, majorettes, dancers, and the famous Waggis—those mischievous characters in colorful costumes with prominent red noses, who throw confetti and sweets to the crowd.

Each year, a different theme inspires the floats and costumes, from funfairs to fairy tales, and local history. In 2025, the carnival celebrated the 800th anniversary of Mulhouse, and in 2026, the theme was "The Feast of Fools."

A Weekend of Festivities for Everyone

The Mulhouse Carnival is not just the Sunday parade. The festivities span several days with a rich and varied program:

• Children's Day on Wednesday, with games, workshops, confetti battles, and a parade of costumed children under the big top at Place de la Réunion.
• The Opening Evening on Friday, with the arrival of Prince Carnaval, musical entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
• Saturday, a day of entertainment in the city center with Waggis parades, costume contests, and an evening of music.
• Sunday, the grand finale with the international parade followed by festivities late into the evening.

The Waggis and the Royal Court

Emblematic figures of the Mulhouse carnival, the Mülhüser Waggis are recognizable by their colorful costumes, wide-brimmed hats, and red noses. They embody the playful and good-natured spirit of the carnival, not hesitating to tease the public. The Royal Court, composed of the Prince, the Queen, and her attendants, is elected each autumn and presides over the festivities throughout the carnival season.

A Museum Dedicated to the Carnival

Since September 2025, Mulhouse has been home to a Carnival Museum that traces the history and traditions of the city's carnival. Located at the association's headquarters, it can be visited by appointment and houses costumes, miniature floats, and souvenirs from over seventy years of parades.