Venetian Parade of Riquewihr

Venice visits the Alsatian vineyards

Created in September 2012 by the association Rêveries Vénitiennes, the Venetian Parade of Riquewihr is a unique event in Alsace that blends the elegance of the Venice Carnival with the medieval charm of one of the most beautiful villages in France. Every summer, for a weekend in July, the cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and Renaissance fountains of Riquewihr become the backdrop for an extraordinary visual spectacle, where dozens of costumed participants from all over France and Europe parade in silence, draped in their sumptuous creations.

The sacred codes of the Venetian carnival

The Venetian Parade of Riquewihr faithfully reproduces the spirit of the traditional Venetian carnival, where the anonymity of participants is preserved with absolute rigor. The costumed individuals scrupulously respect ancestral codes: wearing a mask, gloves, and a hood so that no skin is visible, except for the eyes. This discipline creates a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere, where each character seems to have emerged from a painting by Tiepolo or Longhi.

The nocturnal parade: the magical moment

The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the nocturnal parade on Saturday evening. At 10 PM, in Place Fernand Zeyer, the costumed participants make their entrance in a magical staging by lantern light. The reflections of golden masks, the undulations of velvet capes, and the respectful silence of the public create a moment of suspended grace. The official presentation of the costumes at 9:30 PM precedes this nocturnal procession that will remain etched in memory.

Two days of Venetian festivities

The program spans two days:

• Saturday: free parades of costumed participants in the streets (3 PM and 6 PM), Venetian market in the Place de la Mairie (9 AM-6 PM), artistic makeup sessions in the afternoon, costume presentation (9:30 PM), and nocturnal parade (10 PM).
• Sunday: Venetian market, artistic makeup, and grand parade on Rue du Général de Gaulle at 3 PM, the culmination of this Venetian weekend.

Riquewihr, the perfect setting for a Venetian carnival

The choice of Riquewihr as the setting for this parade is no accident. This fortified village from the 16th century, nestled in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards on the Alsace Wine Route, offers an exceptional architectural setting. The colorful half-timbered houses, the Thieves' Tower, the Dolder, and the Renaissance inner courtyards form an intimate and photogenic backdrop that enhances the Venetian costumes. The village, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, welcomes thousands of visitors each summer to admire this free and popular spectacle.