Wazemmes Carnival
The popular and festive carnival of the Wazemmes district in Lille
About Wazemmes Carnival
The Wazemmes Carnival is one of Lille's most popular and colorful events. Each year, this neighborhood carnival brings together thousands of costumed participants for a joyful and wild parade through the streets of Wazemmes, an emblematic district of Lille's diversity. Brass bands, floats, creative workshops, costume contests, and concerts in the neighborhood's bars make this day a participatory and intergenerational celebration, supported by the City of Lille and local associations.
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The Wazemmes Carnival: A Popular and Participatory Celebration
The Wazemmes Carnival is much more than just a costume parade: it's a true neighborhood festival, rooted in the identity of Wazemmes, one of Lille's most vibrant and cosmopolitan districts. Driven by neighborhood associations, schools, and residents, the carnival celebrates diversity, creativity, and living together through a festive and free event.
The Grand Parade
The highlight of the day is the grand parade, which kicks off at 4 PM through the neighborhood streets. Hundreds of participants—families, children, groups of friends, associations, schools—parade in costumes made during pre-event creative workshops. The parade is accompanied by brass bands, floats, and the mythical Cheval Blanc (White Horse), an emblematic figure of the Wazemmes carnival.
Creative Workshops and Preparation
In the lead-up to the carnival, workshops for making hats, masks, and costumes are offered free of charge to residents. These participatory workshops allow everyone to prepare their outfit and contribute to the event's collective creativity. On the day itself, a makeup and photo booth area welcomes participants from 3 PM.
Costume Contest
At 6 PM, a costume contest rewards the most original, creative, and spectacular costumes. Registration can be done on-site or by email with the neighborhood town hall. Prizes are offered by event partners, including lille3000.
Carnival in Concerts
From 6 PM onwards, the carnival continues with "Carnaval en concerts" (Carnival in Concerts), in partnership with the Wazemmes l'Accordéon festival. About fifteen concerts in 15 bars in the neighborhood offer an eclectic program: musette, rock, chanson, world music. The celebration continues until 11:30 PM in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Wazemmes Carnival — edition 2026
The Wazemmes Carnival 2026 will take place on Saturday, March 28th, with a costumed parade, brass bands, a costume contest, and concerts in the bars.
2026 Edition - Saturday, March 28th
The Wazemmes Carnival returns on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. On the program: creative workshops, festive entertainment, a costumed parade through the district at 4 PM with brass bands and associations, a costume contest at 6 PM, and concerts in the neighborhood bars in the evening.
Programme Wazemmes Carnival 2026
Program
- Creative workshops and festive entertainment (afternoon)
- 4 PM: Start of the costumed parade with associations and schools
- 6 PM: Costume contest (registration: [email protected])
- Evening: Concerts in the neighborhood bars
Highlights Wazemmes Carnival 2026
- Costumed parade on Saturday, March 28th at 4 PM
- Costume contest at 6 PM
- Concerts in the neighborhood bars
Prices Wazemmes Carnival 2026
Practical information — Wazemmes Carnival
Practical Information
Location
The Wazemmes Carnival takes place in the streets and squares of the Wazemmes district in Lille. The main gathering point is the Place de la Nouvelle Aventure. The parade crosses the main streets of the district, passing through Rue Jules Guesde, Rue Gambetta, and adjacent streets. Evening concerts are held in about fifteen bars and cafes in the district.
Access and Transport
By Metro: Line 1, "Wazemmes" stop (closest) or "Gambetta". Trains run every 2 to 4 minutes. The Wazemmes district is very well served by public transport.
By Bus: Several Ilévia lines serve the Wazemmes district. Stops: "Wazemmes", "Gambetta", or "Place de la Nouvelle Aventure".
On Foot: The Wazemmes district is a 15-minute walk from Lille's Grand-Place and 10 minutes from Lille-Flandres station. It's the most pleasant way to get there.
By Bike: V'Lille stations "Wazemmes" and "Gambetta" are nearby. Bicycle racks are available in the district.
Schedule
From 3 PM: Opening of creative workshops (hat, mask, costume making), makeup, and photo booth. At 4 PM: Start of the grand costume parade through the district. At 6 PM: Costume contest with awards ceremony. From 6 PM to 11:30 PM: "Carnaval en concerts" in 15 bars in the district (in partnership with Wazemmes l'Accordéon).
Prices
The entire event is completely free: creative workshops, parade, costume contest, and concerts in the bars. Drinks in the bars are at the participants' expense.
How to Participate
Everyone can participate in the parade! Come in costume, whether prepared or not. For the costume contest, register on-site or by email at [email protected]. The creative workshops allow you to make your costume on-site if you haven't prepared anything.
Practical Tips
- Come in costume to fully enjoy the atmosphere!
- The creative workshops are ideal for children and families.
- Check the concert schedule in the bars on the carnival's social media.
- As the district is very busy, prioritize the metro or walking.
Contact
Wazemmes Neighborhood Town Hall: [email protected]. More information at www.lille.fr/wazemmes
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Wazemmes Carnival at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Wazemmes Carnival
Quartier de Wazemmes
Place de la Nouvelle Aventure, 59000 Lille