Carnaval de Saint-Claude
The traditional carnival of Saint-Claude and its famous Soufflaculs
About Les Soufflaculs
Les Soufflaculs: An Ancestral Carnival Tradition
The carnival of Saint-Claude, known as Les Soufflaculs, is one of the most unique traditions in the Jura. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the monks of the Saint-Claude Abbey would parade through the town on Ash Wednesday, armed with a bellows to symbolically chase away the devil. This custom, once widespread in the South of France, now only survives in a few localities, notably in Saint-Claude and Nontron in the Dordogne.
The Bellows, Symbol of the Breath of Life
The bellows used during the carnival have a dual meaning. Originally used to chase evil spirits from under women's skirts, it also symbolized, more broadly, the "breath of life" at the end of winter. This burlesque and joyful tradition has endured through the centuries to become the town's major festive event.
The White Shirt Parade
Each year, usually on a spring Saturday, the "Souffl's" parade dressed in white nightgowns, cotton bonnets, and masks to cover their eyes. A procession of colorful floats winds through the streets of Saint-Claude, accompanied by brass bands and street performers. Confetti rains down on the crowd, and a festive atmosphere takes over the entire city.
Program and Festivities
The parade traditionally begins in the early afternoon on Rue Voltaire, with entertainment and food stalls on Place du 9 avril 1944. The King's float leads the procession, followed by floats from associations and brass bands. The day continues with concerts and activities for all ages.
The Burning of the King
The highlight of the festival is the Burning of the King, which concludes the evening after a sound and light show and a fireworks display. This ritual symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring, in the purest carnival tradition.
A Unifying Event for the Haut-Jura
Les Soufflaculs attracts thousands of spectators each year from all over the Haut-Jura and beyond. The event is supported by a volunteer organizing committee and local associations, who work for months to prepare the floats and entertainment. The Saint-Claude carnival is a moment of conviviality and sharing that embodies the festive identity of the town.
Les Soufflaculs — edition 2026
The Soufflaculs Carnival took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the city center of Saint-Claude. This edition perpetuated the centuries-old tradition with its parade of floats, brass bands, confetti, and the incineration of the King at the close of the evening.
2026 Edition — Saturday, March 14
The 2026 Soufflaculs Carnival took place on Saturday, March 14, in the city center of Saint-Claude. Traffic was prohibited in the afternoon on the streets of the route (rue Gambetta, Place Christin, rue Voltaire, rue du Collège, rue Rosset) to allow the procession to proceed.
Day's Schedule
- 2:00 PM — Awakening of the neighborhoods by hunting horns
- 3:00 PM — Departure of the parade from rue Voltaire
- Afternoon — Entertainment and catering on Place du 9 avril 1944, the King's float at the head of the procession, followed by floats from associations and brass bands, confetti battle
- 9:30 PM — Sound and light show by the troupe Les Farfelus on Place du 9 avril 1944
- Evening — Fireworks and incineration of the King to close the festivities
Soufflaculs Ball
In addition to the parade, the Souffl's association organized a costume ball on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM, at the Saint-Claude village hall. On the program: DJ set, election of Mr or Mrs Soufflacul, drinks and light refreshments (8 € with a drink, free for children under 12).
Programme Les Soufflaculs 2026
Saturday, March 14, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Awakening of the neighborhoods by hunting horns
- 3:00 PM — Departure of the parade from rue Voltaire (King's float, association floats, brass bands, confetti battle)
- All afternoon — Entertainment and catering on Place du 9 avril 1944
- 9:30 PM — Sound and light show by the troupe Les Farfelus, Place du 9 avril 1944
- Evening — Fireworks and ritual incineration of the King to close the event
Saturday, April 4, 2026 — Soufflaculs Ball
- 7:00 PM → 1:30 AM — Costume ball at the Saint-Claude village hall: DJ set, election of Mr or Mrs Soufflacul, refreshments and light catering
Highlights Les Soufflaculs 2026
- Parade of floats in the city center led by the King's float
- Sound and light show by the troupe Les Farfelus
- Fireworks and ritual incineration of the King to close the event
- Additional costume ball on April 4 at the village hall
Prices Les Soufflaculs 2026
Practical information — Les Soufflaculs
Practical Information
Dates and Times
The Soufflaculs carnival usually takes place on a spring Saturday (April or May). The parade starts at 3 PM from Rue Voltaire. Entertainment and food stalls are available from the early afternoon on Place du 9 avril 1944.
Access
- By car: Saint-Claude is accessible via the D436 from Lons-le-Saunier (approx. 1 hour) or via the N5 from Geneva (approx. 1 hour)
- By bus: Regional bus lines from Lons-le-Saunier and the towns of Haut-Jura
Prices
Access to the parade and street entertainment is free.
Contact
Comité des Soufflaculs
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 06 47 61 12 82
Food and Drink
Food and drink stands are set up on Place du 9 avril 1944 throughout the day.
Practical Tips
Bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty (confetti!). Wearing a white shirt is encouraged for all participants wishing to join the parade.
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Where does it take place — Les Soufflaculs
Centre-ville de Saint-Claude
Rue Voltaire, 39200 Saint-Claude