Carnaval de Saverne

One of Alsace's Most Colorful Carnivals

At the foot of the majestic Château des Rohan, considered the "Alsatian Versailles," the town of Saverne comes alive each year for one of the most popular carnivals in the Bas-Rhin. The Carnaval de Saverne perpetuates a festive tradition deeply rooted in Alsatian culture, attracting thousands of spectators from the Vosges foothills villages and the entire region.

A Weekend of Festivities

The carnival unfolds over two distinct days:

Saturday: Children's Day

Saturday afternoon is dedicated to the parade of costumed children. The youngest, carefully disguised, parade through the streets of the town center to the sound of music. In the evening, a family parade goes through the neighborhoods, followed by a carnival evening with an orchestra, music, and costumes in a friendly atmosphere.

Sunday: The Grand Parade

Sunday is the highlight of the carnival. The grand parade, which starts from Place Saint-Nicolas at the foot of the Château des Rohan, welcomes around forty groups from all over Alsace and the Upper Rhine region. Monumental floats, thunderous brass bands, majorettes, dance groups, and costumed troupes parade in a joyful cacophony that delights the thousands of spectators gathered along the route.

The Burning of the Witch

The festivities conclude with the age-old ritual of the burning of the witch (Hexeverbrennung). This symbolic act, inherited from Alsatian folk traditions, marks the end of winter and the hope for the return of spring. Flames rise to the cheers of the crowd, sealing the end of a weekend of revelry.

Saverne, the "Gateway to Alsace"

Located at the outlet of the Zorn valley, Saverne is nicknamed the "Gateway to Alsace." The town, dominated by the ruins of Haut-Barr, the "Eye of Alsace," offers remarkable heritage with its Marne-Rhine Canal, its half-timbered houses, and its rose garden. The carnival is part of a rich festive calendar that also includes the Kougelhopf Festival and the Christmas market.