Carnaval de Romans-sur-Isère

The Carnaval de Romans-sur-Isère: a living tradition for centuries

Romans-sur-Isère has one of the oldest carnival traditions in France. As early as the Middle Ages, the city celebrated carnival with splendor and exuberance. The most striking episode remains the bloody carnival of 1580, during which social tensions between artisans and notables degenerated into deadly clashes during the festivities. This historical event was masterfully studied by historian Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie in his work Le Carnaval de Romans (1979), which became a classic of French historiography.

A modern and popular carnival

Today, the Carnaval de Romans has rediscovered its festive and unifying purpose. Every year, at the beginning of March, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the great carnival parade. The procession starts from Place Jules Nadi and travels through the streets of the historic center, drawing thousands of costumed participants in its wake.

A festive program for everyone

The Carnaval de Romans offers a rich and varied program:

• Preparation workshops in the neighborhoods: costume making, mask creation, music and dance rehearsals
• Grand parade through the streets of the city center with decorated floats, brass bands, circus troupes, and dance groups
• Street entertainment: juggling, stilt walking, percussion, and live shows
• Free participation: everyone is invited to come in costume and join the procession

A unifying event

The Carnaval de Romans is a truly unifying event that mobilizes neighborhood associations, schools, social centers, and the city's merchants. In the weeks preceding the parade, workshops are organized in the different neighborhoods to prepare costumes, accessories, and choreography. This participatory dimension makes the carnival a special moment of social cohesion and living together.

The city of Romans-sur-Isère, rich in its medieval heritage and popular traditions, offers an exceptional setting for these festivities. The cobbled streets, the Saint-Barnard collegiate church, and the Jacquemart tower form a picturesque backdrop that adds to the charm of the event.

Themes and recent editions

Each edition of the carnival is placed under a different theme that inspires the costumes and decorations of the floats. The 2025 edition, on the theme of the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire), illustrated the creativity and commitment of the people of Romans in this popular festival. Unfortunately, the 2024 edition had to be canceled due to bad weather conditions.