Dunkirk Carnival
The biggest popular festival in the North, a centuries-old tradition of the corsair city
About Dunkirk Carnival
The Dunkirk Carnival is one of the most famous carnivals in France. Its origins date back to the 17th century, when shipowners celebrated fishermen leaving for Iceland. From January to April, balls, parades, and rigadoons liven up the city. The highlight, the "Trois Joyeuses", culminates with the throwing of 450 kg of herrings from the Town Hall balcony to tens of thousands of disguised carnival-goers.
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The Dunkirk Carnival: a unique popular tradition
The Dunkirk Carnival has its roots in the city's maritime history. At the beginning of the 17th century, shipowners offered a grand meal and a party to the fisherman sailors before their departure for six months of herring fishing in Iceland. This tradition, the "Visschersbende" (fishermen's parade), is at the origin of the carnival as we know it today.
Parades and Balls
The carnival spans several months, from January to April, with a succession of "bandes" (street parades) and balls in different districts of Dunkirk and neighboring towns (Malo-les-Bains, Rosendaël, Coudekerque-Branche, Saint-Pol-sur-Mer). Each parade is led by a drum major followed by a band playing traditional tunes. Carnival-goers, disguised and made up, form long human chains in the streets to the rhythm of the "rigodons".
The Trois Joyeuses
The climax of the carnival is the "Trois Joyeuses", three days of intense festivities preceding Mardi Gras. The Dunkirk Parade takes place on Sunday, followed by the herring toss from the Town Hall balcony: the mayor and his guests throw 450 kg of smoked herrings wrapped in cellophane onto the jubilant crowd, evoking the fishing wealth that made the city prosperous.
The Final Rigodon
Each parade ends with a "rigodon", a moment of collective dance and traditional songs in front of the official tribune. The "Cantate à Jean Bart", the carnival's anthem, then echoes through the streets, celebrating the famous corsair of Dunkirk.
A Living Intangible Heritage
The Dunkirk Carnival brings together tens of thousands of participants every year from all over France and Belgium. It is a living intangible heritage, passed down from generation to generation, and is the pride of the entire Dunkirk community. The spirit of the carnival is based on fraternity, equality (all costumes are accepted) and joie de vivre.
Dunkirk Carnival — edition 2026
The Dunkirk Carnival 2026 takes place from January to April. The Trois Joyeuses are scheduled from February 15th to 17th, 2026, with the herring toss on Sunday, February 15th at 5 PM. The Malo-les-Bains parade will take place on February 22nd.
Dunkirk Carnival 2026
The 2026 carnival season opens on January 3rd and continues until April 17th. The Trois Joyeuses, the beating heart of the carnival, will take place from Sunday, February 15th to Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, just before Ash Wednesday (February 18th).
The herring toss from the Town Hall balcony will take place on Sunday, February 15th at 5 PM. The Malo-les-Bains parade, with its final rigodon on Place Turenne facing the North Sea, is scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, 2026.
Programme Dunkirk Carnival 2026
2026 Highlights
- January 3rd: Opening of the carnival season
- February 15th-17th: The Trois Joyeuses
- February 15th, 5 PM: Herring toss from the Town Hall
- February 22nd: Malo-les-Bains parade
- April 17th: Closing of the season
Highlights Dunkirk Carnival 2026
- Trois Joyeuses from February 15th to 17th, 2026
- Herring toss on Sunday, February 15th at 5 PM
- Malo-les-Bains parade on February 22nd with rigodon facing the sea
- Carnival season from January to April
Prices Dunkirk Carnival 2026
Practical information — Dunkirk Carnival
Getting to Dunkirk
By car
From Lille, take the A25 (approx. 1h15). From Paris, the A1 then A26 and A25 (approx. 3h). Park-and-ride facilities are available during major parades with shuttles to the city center.
By train
Dunkerque station, served by TER from Lille and TGV from Paris. The city center is within walking distance of the station (10 minutes).
Practical tips for the carnival
- Dress up: costumes are mandatory! All outfits are accepted.
- Wear makeup: makeup is an essential tradition.
- Arrive early: for the parades, arrive several hours before the start to get a good spot.
- Protect your belongings: leave valuables at the hotel or in a safe place.
- Wear warm clothes under your costume (the carnival takes place in winter).
Key Dates
The carnival runs from January to April. The exact dates of the parades and balls are published each year on the Dunkerque Tourisme website and on specialized sites.
Accommodation
Dunkirk hotels fill up quickly for the Trois Joyeuses. It is recommended to book well in advance. Accommodation solutions are also available in neighboring towns.
Contact
Dunkirk Tourist Office: dunkerque-tourisme.fr
Health and Safety
A significant security operation is deployed during the major parades: law enforcement, rescue teams, advanced medical posts. It is advisable to remain vigilant in the crowd and watch your belongings.
Traditions to respect
- Costumes are mandatory: without a costume, you'll be the exception!
- Learning the traditional songs (Cantate à Jean Bart) enriches the experience
- Respect the instructions of the drum majors during the parades
- Do not leave the parade before the final rigodon
Carnival Gastronomy
Specialties to taste during the carnival: herrings (of course!), potjevleesch (meat terrine in jelly), welsh (melted cheddar toast), carbonade flamande (Flemish beef stew) and the traditional Trois Joyeuses beer brewed especially for the occasion.
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Where does it take place — Dunkirk Carnival
Centre-ville de Dunkerque et Hôtel de Ville
Place Jean Bart, 59140 Dunkerque