The traditional Ardennes carnival of Revin, between brass bands, floats and Venetian costumes
Les Mascarades de Revin are a traditional Ardennes carnival that takes place every spring, one Sunday in March or early April, on Place Jean-Jaurès in Revin. Created in 2009 by the association La Ruée vers l'Art with the participation of the Masqués Vénitiens de France, the Mascarades combine the Ardennes carnival tradition with the splendor of the Venetian carnival. A parade of floats, brass bands, majorettes, Venetian costumes, a contest for the most beautiful disguise for children, and the burning of a mannequin make up the program for this festive and free afternoon.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
2026 edition of Les Mascarades de Revin, scheduled for Sunday, March 29th on Place Jean-Jaurès. Traditional Ardennes carnival with parade of floats, brass bands, majorettes, Venetian costumes, and burning of the mannequin. Free admission.
Les Mascarades de Revin will return on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, on Place Jean-Jaurès. The association La Ruée vers l'Art is preparing a new edition of this Ardennes carnival, blending popular tradition and Venetian elegance.
The program includes the traditional parade of floats, brass bands, majorettes, the costume contest for children, and the burning of the mannequin. Admission remains free. The detailed program will be announced in early 2026.
The Mascarades take place on Place Jean-Jaurès, 08500 Revin.
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Place Jean-Jaurès, Revin
Place Jean-Jaurès, 08500 Revin