Carnival of Marseille

The great popular carnival of Marseille

The Carnival of Marseille is one of the most colorful and festive events in the Phocaean city. Every spring, the Old Port transforms into a huge street theater where allegorical floats, brass bands, dancers, musicians, and hundreds of costumed participants parade. Organized by the City of Marseille, this free and open-to-all event attracts tens of thousands of spectators along the quays, from La Criée to Quai du Port, in an irresistible festive atmosphere.

A colorful procession on the quays of the Old Port

The carnival procession follows an emblematic route along the Old Port. The procession starts at the Théâtre de la Criée on the Quai de Rive-Neuve, crosses the Quai de la Fraternité, and goes up to the Quai du Port. Among the approximately 400 participants, there are usually 85 street artists, 80 dancers, 65 musicians, and 80 volunteer dancers from several Marseille dance schools. Face painting stands are set up from 1:30 PM at Place Bargemon to allow children and families to prepare before the parade.

Themes renewed each year

Each edition of the Carnival of Marseille revolves around a unifying theme that inspires the floats, costumes, and choreographies. In 2024, the Olympic theme was highlighted, in connection with the sailing events of the Paris Games organized in Marseille. In 2025, the 35th edition took spectators on a journey around the blue planet, with the color blue omnipresent, a maritime parade, and a grand blue finale. These themes celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of Marseille while offering a striking visual spectacle.

A unifying event rooted in Marseille's identity

The Carnival of Marseille is more than just a parade: it is a moment of social cohesion and civic pride. Neighborhood associations, dance schools, street theater troupes, and artistic companies from all over the city participate in the preparation of the event for weeks. The carnival highlights Marseille's associative fabric and provides a showcase for local artists. Since its creation, it has established itself as a must-see event in the festive calendar of the Phocaean city, attracting a multigenerational audience to the quays of the Old Port.