Dunkirk Carnival

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.