Montpel'Carnival
La WIF Caribbean Carnival in Montpellier and Pérols
2026
About Carnaval de Montpellier
Montpel'Carnival is Montpellier's Caribbean carnival, hosted by the West Indies Family (La WIF) association. Held every February, the event features parties at the Parc des Expositions in Pérols and a "vidé"—a participatory street parade through Montpellier where everyone is invited to follow the marching bands, percussion ensembles, and costumed dancers.
Carnaval de Montpellier — edition 2026
The Montpel'Carnival celebrates the 20th anniversary of La WIF from February 19th to 21st, 2026. The traditional "vidé" street parade returns to the streets of Montpellier on Saturday the 21st following its 2025 ban, while the carnival parties will be held at the Parc des Expositions in Pérols.
The 2026 edition marks twenty years of the La WIF association. The "vidé" parade on Saturday, February 21st, makes its comeback after a year-long absence: the City of Montpellier has authorized it for a declared capacity of 10,000 people, with support from the National Police, Municipal Police, 90 staff members, and private security agents. The "After Road," an open-air stage that previously preceded the Saturday night party, is not on the program.
The "vidé" brings together floats, dancers, and costumed groups. Creole food (bokits, cod fritters, coconut sorbets) will be available at the Parc des Expositions. The press has previously reported up to 12,000 revelers arriving from all over France.
Highlights Carnaval de Montpellier 2026
- 20th anniversary of La WIF, the carnival organizer
- Return of the "vidé" to the streets of Montpellier, Saturday, February 21st starting at 1:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday night parties, from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, at the Parc des Expositions in Pérols
- Zouk, soca, dancehall, and shatta music
- Creole cuisine: bokits, cod fritters, and coconut sorbets
Programme Carnaval de Montpellier 2026
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
- Start of the event: no schedule or program has been published for this day.
Friday, February 20th, 2026
- 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM — Carnival party: DJ sets, showcases, dress code · Parc des Expositions in Pérols
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
- 1:30 PM — Vidé, a participatory parade open to all (until approximately 6:00 PM) · departing from Place de l'Europe, arriving at Parc de la Rauze, Montpellier
- 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM — Carnival party: DJ sets, showcases, dress code · Parc des Expositions in Pérols
Musical lineup announced: zouk, soca, dancehall, and shatta. The names of the DJs and groups have not been released in the sources consulted.
Prices Carnaval de Montpellier 2026
Carnaval de Montpellier — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held from 19 February to 21 February 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Carnaval de Montpellier
- Parties: Parc des Expositions de Montpellier, Route de la Foire, 34470 Pérols.
- Vidé (2026 edition): Starts at Place de l'Europe, in the Port-Marianne district of Montpellier, and ends at Parc de la Rauze. The route is determined annually in coordination with the City.
- Tickets and information: Available on the organizer's website, lawif.fr.
The organizers: La WIF
The West Indies Family was founded in 2006 by Martinican students living in mainland France, aiming to provide a home away from home for the Caribbean community. Initially focused on hosting parties, the association has grown into a major promoter of Caribbean culture; the press now recognizes Montpel'Carnival as the largest Caribbean carnival in mainland France.
The format
Montpel'Carnival takes place over several days in February. Ticketed evening events are held at the Parc des Expositions in Pérols, featuring DJ sets, live showcases, and a dress code centered on zouk, soca, dancehall, and shatta music. On Saturday, the "vidé" parade winds through Montpellier: a lively procession behind percussion groups that is open to the public.
The "vidé" parade: 2025 to 2026
In 2025, the City of Montpellier cancelled the scheduled February 22nd parade, citing security concerns and a participant capacity estimate that the association disputed. While the parties at the Parc des Expositions in Pérols went ahead as planned, the street parade was replaced by a festive afternoon at the venue. Following two meetings with the City in September 2025 and January 2026, the "vidé" returned to the streets of Montpellier on February 21, 2026, with an approved capacity of 10,000 people. La WIF acknowledges that the future of the event remains uncertain for upcoming editions.
Where does it take place — Carnaval de Montpellier
Carnaval de Montpellier in brief
History of Carnaval de Montpellier
Edition 2025 Feb 2025Other festivals near Montpellier
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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