Les Mascarades de Revin

An Ardennes Carnival Between Tradition and Venetian Elegance

The Mascarades de Revin were born in 2009 from the desire of the association La Ruée vers l'Art to revive the carnival tradition in this industrial town in the loops of the Meuse. By inviting the Masqués Vénitiens de France to participate in the event, the organizers have created a unique carnival that blends the popular and noisy character of the Ardennes carnival with the grace and refinement of Venetian costumes. Each year, Place Jean-Jaurès transforms into a true street theater where golden masks, sumptuous dresses, big heads, and fancy costumes meet.

Parade of Floats, Brass Bands, and Majorettes

The heart of the Mascarades is the grand parade that winds through the streets of Revin to Place Jean-Jaurès. Colorful floats built by associations and local residents parade to the rhythm of brass bands and majorettes. The carnival groups compete in creativity in the design of their floats and costumes. Music fills the streets, confetti flies, and the atmosphere is festive. Spectators line the parade route, applauding the participants and getting caught up in the contagious joy of the carnival.

Costume Contests and Activities for Children

The Mascarades place great importance on children, who are invited to participate in the carnival in costume and compete for the prize for the most beautiful costume. Pirates, princesses, superheroes, and fantastic creatures parade under the amused gaze of parents and the jury. Street entertainment, face painting, and games are offered throughout the afternoon. The spirit of carnival is thus passed down from generation to generation, ensuring the longevity of this festive tradition in Revin.

The Burning of the Mannequin: An Ancestral Tradition

The highlight of the Mascarades is the burning of the mannequin, an ancestral carnival tradition that marks the end of the festivities. A straw and fabric mannequin, symbolizing winter and the misfortunes of the past year, is solemnly carried in procession and then delivered to the flames to the cheers of the crowd. This ritual, which delights children and adults alike, embodies the symbolic transition from winter to spring and the renewal of the beautiful season in the Ardennes.

Revin, Town of the Meuse Loops

Revin is a commune in the Ardennes nestled in a spectacular double meander of the Meuse River, surrounded by wooded hills that give it a remarkable natural setting. Once an industrial town linked to metallurgy, Revin today stands out for its associative and cultural dynamism. The Musée du Vieux Revin, the hiking trails to Mont Malgré Tout, and the landscapes of the Meuse loops attract visitors all year round. The Mascarades contribute to the spring animation of the town and strengthen the social bond between its inhabitants.