Carnival of Albi

The Carnival of Albi: 70 Years of Festive Tradition

Since 1957, the Carnival of Albi has been one of the biggest popular festivals in the southwest of France. Each year, between February and March, the prefecture of Tarn adorns itself in its finest attire to host two major float parades, a children's carnival, and a funfair that transform the city center into a vast space of joy and conviviality.

An Event Rooted in Local History

The Carnival of Albi is part of a long tradition of popular festivities that have animated the city for nearly seven decades. Supported by the City of Albi and local associations, it mobilizes hundreds of volunteers who build the floats, create the costumes, and organize the entertainment throughout the event. Each edition is placed under an original theme that inspires the decoration of the floats and the costumes of the participants.

Highlights of the Carnival

The carnival takes place over two to three weeks and includes several highlights. The funfair sets up on Place Lapérouse from the first weekend, offering rides and attractions for the whole family. The handover of the city keys to the Carnival Queen officially marks the start of the festivities. The first major parade features monumental floats, bands, majorettes, and costumed groups parading through the streets of the city center, from Boulevard du Lude to Place du Vigan.

The children's carnival, a particularly anticipated moment, brings together nearly a thousand costumed children who parade through the city center to the sound of Occitan music before heading to Place Sainte-Cécile. The second major parade concludes the carnival in an apotheosis of confetti, music, and fireworks or pyrotechnic show on Place du Vigan.

A Popular and Family Gathering

The Carnival of Albi is a free event open to all, attracting tens of thousands of spectators each year from all over the Tarn department and neighboring departments. Families, children, groups of friends, and associations mingle in a joyful and good-natured atmosphere that makes the people of Albi proud. The funfair, food stalls, and street entertainment complete the festive offerings throughout the event.