Carnaval de Vincennes
The grand winter costume parade at the gates of the Wood
About Carnaval de Vincennes
The Vincennes Carnival: the costume party in the heart of the royal city
The Vincennes Carnival is a popular and free festival that enlivens the center of this emblematic commune of Val-de-Marne, known for its medieval castle, its keep, and its proximity to the Bois de Vincennes. Organized by the City of Vincennes in collaboration with leisure centers, this relatively recent carnival (1st edition in 2025) takes place in winter, around the Mardi Gras period.
A grand costume parade
The Vincennes Carnival parade brings together families, children, and disguised residents for a joyful stroll through the city. The procession traditionally sets off from Place Pierre Semard in the early afternoon, accompanied by music, colorful costumes, and entertainment for all ages.
Throughout the route, a batucada sets the rhythm for the march, while stilt walkers, mascots, and costumed groups animate the parade. The public, also in costume, is invited to freely join the procession: no registration is necessary, simply show up in costume at the starting point.
A celebration for families and children
The Vincennes Carnival is above all a family celebration. Children are honored, and the City notably offers carnival masks to download and color before the event. Leisure centers participate in the preparation and animation of this festive day.
Carnaval de Vincennes — edition 2026
Vincennes Carnival 2026
For its 2nd edition, the Vincennes Carnival took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, around Mardi Gras. The grand costumed parade set off at 2:30 PM from Place Pierre Semard for a festive stroll through the city center.
On the program: lively batucada, stilt walkers, mascots, and musical entertainment for all ages. Families and costumed residents were invited to freely join the procession, without prior registration. Like the first edition, this 2026 carnival was a free event open to all, organized by the City of Vincennes in conjunction with leisure centers.
Programme Carnaval de Vincennes 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 2:30 PM — Departure of the grand costumed parade from Place Pierre Semard
- Festive musical stroll through the center of Vincennes: batucada, stilt walkers, mascots, and costumed groups
- Entertainment for all ages throughout the route
Parade open to all, no registration required: simply come dressed up to the starting point.
Highlights Carnaval de Vincennes 2026
- 2nd edition of the Vincennes Carnival
- Grand costumed parade starting from Place Pierre Semard (2:30 PM)
- Batucada, stilt walkers, and mascots
- Free event open to all, for families
Prices Carnaval de Vincennes 2026
Practical information — Carnaval de Vincennes
Practical Information
Date and times
The Vincennes Carnival takes place in winter, around Mardi Gras, on Saturday afternoon. The parade departs around 2:30 PM from Place Pierre Semard.
Location
Parade in the center of Vincennes, starting from Place Pierre Semard.
Access
By metro: Line 1, terminus Château de Vincennes.
By RER: RER A, Vincennes station.
By bus: Several lines serve the center of Vincennes.
Admission
Free event and open to all. No registration is necessary to join the parade: simply come in costume to the starting point.
Contact
Mairie de Vincennes
Tel.: 01 43 98 65 00
Website: vincennes.fr
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Where does it take place — Carnaval de Vincennes
Centre-ville de Vincennes
Esplanade Saint-Louis, 94300 Vincennes