Carnival of Perpignan

The Carnival of Perpignan: a Catalan festive tradition

Every year, between February and March, Perpignan vibrates to the rhythm of its Carnival. This popular tradition, rooted in Catalan culture, transforms the streets and squares of the city center into a space of celebration and color. Day and night parades, processions of decorated floats, brass bands, batucadas, and local dance groups take over the city for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

Spectacular parades

The Carnival of Perpignan is distinguished by its colorful parades. The daytime procession brings together allegorical floats, costumed groups, brass bands, and dance troupes in the streets of the city center. The nighttime parade, with its costume ball, adds a magical and mysterious dimension to the event. Confetti, glitter, and costumes transform the city into a huge open-air carnival.

Entertainment for the whole family

The Carnival of Perpignan offers a rich program of family entertainment: children's carnival with face painting, creative workshops, and mini-parades, street shows, costume contests, and games. Different neighborhoods of the city also organize their own carnival festivities, creating a festive network throughout the metropolitan area.

An event rooted in Catalan culture

The Perpignan carnival is part of the rich carnival tradition of the Pyrénées-Orientales, alongside the famous festivals of the Bear in Prats-de-Mollo, Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, and Arles-sur-Tech. This Catalan tradition, which mixes ancestral rites and popular festivities, makes the carnival a major moment of local cultural identity.