Carnaval de Sélestat

A Medieval Legend at the Origins of the Carnival

The origins of the Carnaval de Sélestat date back to the Middle Ages, when a young butcher's apprentice saved the city from an enemy attack by ringing the church bells to sound the alarm. In homage to this heroic act, the master butchers granted their apprentices the afternoon of Mardi Gras to celebrate and collect donations in the streets. The word 'Machores', an Alsatian nickname given by the apprentices to the master butcher, has remained as the name of the carnival.

The Association Les Machores, Guardian of Tradition

Founded in 1970, the carnival association Les Machores took over the reins of the carnival in the 1980s and gradually transformed it into an event of international scale. In 1993, the carnival was moved from Mardi Gras to the following weekend to facilitate its development. The current format — a full weekend with a night parade on Saturday and a grand international parade on Sunday — became established and attracts an ever-increasing audience.

The Saturday Night Parade

On Saturday evening, the carnival begins with the night parade which starts at 6:46 PM on Avenue Poincaré. The illuminated floats parade through the dark streets of the city, creating a magical atmosphere. The parade concludes with the handover of the City Keys at the Clock Tower, symbolizing the entry into carnival time. This is followed by a concert of Guggenmusik (carnival brass band) at the Tanzmatten.

The Grand International Sunday Parade

On Sunday afternoon at 2:32 PM, the grand international parade sets off through the streets of Sélestat. Approximately 2,000 carnival-goers march in colorful costumes, accompanied by 25 spectacular floats and 35 troupes from Alsace, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Luxembourg. Guggenmusik bands from neighboring countries add their thunderous musical touch to this colorful procession.

A Carnival That Brings People Together

The Carnaval des Machores is a wonderful moment of sharing and conviviality. Thousands of spectators, often in costume, line the streets to admire the procession, catch confetti and candy thrown from the floats, and dance to the sound of the brass bands. The spirit of the Sélestat carnival is based on joie de vivre, international openness, and fidelity to Alsatian traditions.