Carnaval de Thiais

The Carnaval de Thiais: a spring tradition

Every year, in March, the town of Thiais (94320) comes alive to the rhythm of the Carnival. This popular tradition brings together hundreds of costumed inhabitants for a grand parade through the town's streets. Between decorated floats, lively fanfares, and extravagant costumes, the Carnaval de Thiais is a moment of celebration shared by all generations.

The Carnival Parade

The heart of the event is the grand parade that crosses the main arteries of Thiais. Carnival groups parade through the city streets, accompanied by fanfares and street bands. The floats, created by the town's associations and schools, are the main attraction of the parade. Each float is the result of several weeks of preparation and collective work by the participants.

The parade generally includes:

• Themed floats built by associations and schools
• Fanfares and traveling music groups
• Costumed troupes representing different themes
• Majorettes and dancers in carnival attire
• Entertainment for children

Schools at the heart of the Carnival

The primary and nursery schools of Thiais play a central role in the Carnival. Each class works on a specific theme and creates costumes and decorations during the weeks leading up to the event. The parade of students in costume is one of the most anticipated and moving moments of the parade, under the applause of families gathered on the sidewalks.

The burning of the Carnival Man

As in many towns in France, the Carnaval de Thiais traditionally concludes with the trial and burning of the Carnival Man. This symbolic figure of the bad winter, judged by an improvised court for all the ills of the cold season, is condemned to the stake in a grand theatrical and festive ceremony that symbolically marks the arrival of spring.

A local cohesion event

The Carnaval de Thiais is much more than a simple parade: it is a local cohesion event that brings together inhabitants, associations, and institutions around a common project. The collective preparation, the creativity deployed, and the shared pleasure make the Carnival a unique moment in the life of the town. The town hall actively supports this event as a vector of social connection and cultural dynamism.