Cavalcade Internationale de Sarreguemines
The biggest carnival in Lorraine, with its parade of floats and international brass bands
About Cavalcade Sarreguemines
The Cavalcade Internationale de Sarreguemines is the biggest carnival in Lorraine. Every year around Mardi Gras, the town hosts a week of carnival festivities culminating in the grand Sunday parade. About fifty decorated floats, brass bands, and costumed troupes from France and beyond parade through the streets of the city center amidst a shower of confetti and candy, bringing together over 1,000 participants and attracting more than 30,000 spectators.
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The biggest carnival in Lorraine
The Cavalcade Internationale de Sarreguemines is a major carnival event that electrifies this border town in Moselle-Est every year around Mardi Gras. Organized by the Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines, this parade brings together tens of thousands of spectators and constitutes the largest carnival parade in Lorraine.
The Grand Parade: a spectacular procession
On the Sunday of the parade, the streets of the city center come alive to the rhythm of an impressive procession:
- About fifty floats decorated with creativity and humor, powered by local associations and clubs
- Brass bands from France, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries
- Costumed troupes with spectacular and colorful costumes
- Over 1,000 participants parading in joy and good spirits
The streets resonate with music, laughter, and the sound of confetti, while candy is distributed to thousands of spectators gathered along the route.
A week of festivities
The parade is only the highlight of an entire week of carnival festivities which includes:
- Carnival evenings: costume balls and dance parties
- Children's Carnival: a parade dedicated to the youngest
- Mardi Gras: closing festivities with the burning of the Carnival man
- Neighborhood events: each district of the city organizes its own festivities
A carnival with cross-border influences
Located on the Franco-German border, Sarreguemines benefits from a strong carnival tradition, fueled by the influences of German Fasching and Alsatian Fastnacht. The floats and costumes reflect this cross-border culture, blending humor, political satire, and artistic creativity. The participation of troupes and brass bands from Germany, Belgium, and other countries reinforces the international character of the event.
The Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines
The Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines is the association that organizes and coordinates all the festivities. It brings together dozens of passionate volunteers who work for months on building floats, preparing costumes, and organizing the logistics of this major event.
Cavalcade Sarreguemines — edition 2026
Sarreguemines Carnival 2026, from February 1st to 18th. International Parade on Sunday, February 8th with floats, brass bands, and costumed troupes in the city center.
Cavalcade Internationale 2026
The festivities of the Sarreguemines Carnival 2026 will take place from February 1st to 18th. The Cavalcade Internationale will be held on Sunday, February 8th, 2026. The streets of the city center will come alive to the rhythm of floats, brass bands, and spectacular costumes. Admission is free.
Highlights Cavalcade Sarreguemines 2026
- Carnival from February 1st to 18th, 2026
- International Parade on Sunday, February 8th
- Floats, brass bands, and costumed troupes
- Free admission
Prices Cavalcade Sarreguemines 2026
Practical information — Cavalcade Sarreguemines
Access
By car
Sarreguemines is accessible via the A320 from Metz (1h) and the D919 from Saarbrücken (20 min). Warning: some city center streets are closed to traffic on the day of the parade. Plan to park in the peripheral parking lots or on the outskirts of town and walk to the center.
By train
Sarreguemines station served by TER from Metz (1h10) and Strasbourg (1h40). The city center is a 5-minute walk from the station. Taking the train is recommended to avoid parking difficulties on the day of the parade.
By bus
Local bus network and cross-border lines from Germany. Additional shuttles may be set up on days of high attendance.
Parade route
The procession runs through the main streets of the Sarreguemines city center. The route is announced by the Société Carnavalesque before each edition. It is advisable to position yourself along the route at least one hour before the start of the parade to get a good spot.
Schedule
The Cavalcade Internationale takes place on Sunday afternoon, usually starting around 2 PM. The week-long carnival festivities include carnival evenings and evening events.
Prices
Free access to the parade and all street events. Some carnival evenings (balls) may be ticketed.
Carnival week program
- Carnival evenings: costume balls and dance parties in the town halls
- Children's Carnival: parade dedicated to the youngest
- Cavalcade Internationale: grand Sunday parade with floats, brass bands, and costumed troupes
- Mardi Gras: closing festivities with the burning of the Carnival man
Accessibility
The parade route is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Reserved spaces may be arranged along the route. Contact the town hall for more information.
Practical tips
- Costume: come in costume to blend into the carnival atmosphere
- Confetti: expect to receive confetti and candy along the route
- Crowds: over 30,000 spectators are expected, arrive early for a good spot
- Children: hold young children's hands in the crowd and position them at the front to enjoy the show
- Weather: the carnival takes place in February, pack warm clothes under your costume
Contact
Société Carnavalesque de Sarreguemines: carnavaldesarreguemines.fr
Ville de Sarreguemines: sarreguemines.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Cavalcade Sarreguemines
Centre-ville de Sarreguemines
Centre-ville, 57200 Sarreguemines