Carnaval de Sarreguemines
The largest carnival in Moselle with its International Cavalcade
About Carnaval Sarreguemines
The Carnaval de Sarreguemines is the largest carnival in Moselle. Organized between January and February by the Société Carnavalesque, it opens on November 11th at 11:11 AM and culminates with the famous International Cavalcade, a spectacular parade of allegorical floats, brass bands, and costumed groups. The carnival also includes Kappensitzungen, an enthronement evening for the princely couple, and numerous festive activities.
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Carnival Tradition in Sarreguemines
The Carnaval de Sarreguemines is a festive event deeply rooted in the cultural identity of this border town in Moselle. Organized by the Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines, it perpetuates a tradition of popular celebration that draws its origins from the Rhenish and Germanic culture of the region. Today, it is the largest carnival in Moselle and one of the most important in Eastern France.
A Carnival with Several Highlights
Official Opening: November 11th at 11:11 AM
As Rhenish-inspired carnival tradition dictates, the carnival officially opens on November 11th at 11:11 AM. This symbolic moment marks the beginning of the "fifth season" and kicks off the festivities that will run until February. The princely couple of the year is presented, and the first carnival events are announced.
The Enthronement Evening
The enthronement evening is a highlight of the carnival, during which the new princely couple is officially crowned. This festive ceremony, punctuated by shows and dances, marks the beginning of the carnival season proper.
The Kappensitzungen
The Kappensitzungen (carnival sessions) are typical Rhenish carnival tradition performance evenings. They combine humorous sketches, songs, dances, and satirical speeches in a wild party atmosphere. These very popular evenings take place in the weeks leading up to the Cavalcade.
The International Cavalcade
The absolute highlight of the carnival is the International Cavalcade, a grand parade that animates the streets of the city center on a Sunday in February. Spectacular allegorical floats, brass bands, costumed groups, and dance troupes parade before thousands of spectators lining the route. The procession starts at the bus station and winds through the main streets of the city in an explosion of colors, music, and confetti.
A Popular and Family Celebration
The Carnaval de Sarreguemines is above all a popular and family celebration. Young and old alike dress up and participate in the festivities in a spirit of joy and conviviality. The popular walk, organized before the carnival, allows participants to discover the surrounding countryside in a festive atmosphere.
Cross-border Reach
Located on the German border, Sarreguemines benefits from a cross-border reach for its carnival. The event attracts many visitors from Saarland and the Palatinate, and exchanges between French and German carnival societies enrich the program. This Franco-German dimension is one of the distinctive features of the Sarreguemines carnival.
Carnaval Sarreguemines — edition 2026
Carnaval de Sarreguemines 2026. International Cavalcade on Sunday, February 8th at 3 PM. Kappensitzung on February 1st. Carnival festivities with princely couple Kévin I and Elodie I.
Prices Carnaval Sarreguemines 2026
Practical information — Carnaval Sarreguemines
Access
Sarreguemines is located east of Moselle, on the border with Saarland (Germany), easily accessible from France and Germany.
- By car: A4 motorway (Sarreguemines exit) or A320. 80 km from Metz and 15 km from Saarbrücken (Germany). From Strasbourg, about 1h15. Free parking in the city center. For the Cavalcade, some city center streets are closed to traffic: follow the special signage put in place by the city.
- By train: Sarreguemines station, served by TER from Metz (approx. 1h), Strasbourg (approx. 1h30), and direct connection from Saarbrücken (Germany, 20 min). The station is a 10-minute walk from the city center.
- By bus: Sarreguemines urban transport network and intercity lines from neighboring towns and Saarland.
- From Germany: The Sarreguemines carnival attracts many visitors from Saarland and the Palatinate. Easy access from Saarbrücken by train or car.
The International Cavalcade
The parade starts from the bus station and crosses the center of Sarreguemines over a route of about 2 km. Starts at 3 PM on Sunday. The route is lined with grandstands and standing areas. It is advisable to arrive early (from 2 PM) to find a good spot along the route. The Cavalcade lasts about 2 hours and brings together dozens of allegorical floats, brass bands, and costumed groups.
The Kappensitzungen
The carnival sessions (Kappensitzungen) are held in the town's halls. These evenings are ticketed and seats are in high demand. Advance booking is essential with the Société Carnavalesque.
Dates
The carnival runs from November (official opening on 11/11 at 11:11 AM) to February (Cavalcade). The main festivities take place in January-February: enthronement evening, Kappensitzungen, popular walk, and International Cavalcade.
Prices
The Cavalcade is free and open access. The Kappensitzungen and some indoor events are ticketed, with prices announced by the Société Carnavalesque.
Practical Tips
For the Cavalcade: bring warm clothing (February). Costumes are welcome and even encouraged. Confetti and candy are distributed by the parade participants.
Contact
Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines
Website: www.carnavaldesarreguemines.fr
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Where does it take place — Carnaval Sarreguemines
Centre-ville de Sarreguemines
Centre-ville de Sarreguemines, 57200 Sarreguemines