The Carnival of Mulhouse is a dazzling and vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the Alsace region.
Every year, the city comes alive with music, flamboyant costumes, and a whirlwind of festivities that bring together locals and visitors alike.
For 2025, the Mulhouse Carnival will take place from 5th to 9th March, marking a particularly special edition as the city celebrates its 800th anniversary.
This milestone will add an extra layer of excitement to an event already known for its exuberance!
The Carnival of Mulhouse is a lively and colourful celebration with deep roots in the Alsace region.
For decades, this vibrant event has brought energy and excitement to the city.
Strongly influenced by the festive traditions of southern Germany and northern Switzerland, the Mulhouse Carnival blends the Alsatian spirit with the rhythmic beats, elaborate costumes, and joyful processions seen across the Rhine.
Let’s dive into this spectacular event and discover what makes it one of the most cherished carnivals in eastern France!🎭✨
Watch our short video presentation about Mardi Gras in France:
A Carnival Steeped in History
Carnival festivities in Mulhouse, like those across the Rhine region, are inspired by centuries-old traditions.
Strongly influenced by the Fasnacht carnivals of southern Germany and northern Switzerland, Mulhouse embraces a unique blend of Alsatian festivity and Rhenish heritage.
But did you know that the number 11 plays a significant role in these celebrations?
In German-speaking Fasnacht carnivals, the season officially begins on 11th November at 11:11 am!
The reason? The number 11 is considered the “fools’ number”, symbolising mischief and the topsy-turvy world of carnival.
Some even say it has revolutionary origins—spelling E, L, F, the first letters of Egalité, Liberté, Fraternité, the motto of the French Revolution!
This fascinating detail ties the carnival to historical movements that shaped the region.
The Mulhouse Carnival in Alsace: What to Expect
The Mulhouse Carnival is a three-day spectacle that takes over the historic city centre, filling the streets with parades, costumed revellers, and infectious energy.
Over 100 local associations—from community groups to university students—join the celebrations, creating an electric atmosphere of music, dance, and creativity.
With over 2,200 participants, including revellers from France, Switzerland, and Germany, the city becomes a melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it one of eastern France’s most cherished carnivals.
The Programme
Each year, the Mulhouse Carnival follows a lively schedule of events:
- Friday Night – The Key Handover Ceremony 🎭
The Mayor of Mulhouse symbolically hands over the keys to the city, marking the official start of the carnival. This tradition is a joyful moment when Mulhouse temporarily becomes the “Kingdom of Fools”! - Saturday Afternoon – The Children’s Parade 🎭
Starting at 2:30 pm, this family-friendly procession brings colour and laughter to the city centre, as little ones take centre stage in their finest costumes. - Sunday Afternoon – The Grand International Parade 🎭
The main event! At 2:30 pm, the streets of Mulhouse burst into life with elaborate floats, marching bands, costumed performers, and a sea of spectators enjoying the festive atmosphere. - Evening Festivities 🎭
The celebrations continue under the big carnival tent on Place de la Réunion, with music, performances, and, of course, plenty of Alsatian specialities to enjoy!
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also take part in workshops, including carnival pastry-making, mask creation, face painting, and more.
A Unique Alsatian Celebration
Unlike some of the more well-known French carnivals, such as Nice or Dunkirk, Mulhouse’s event has a distinctly Rhenish character.
Expect to see traditional Fasnacht-style costumes, including jesters, witches, mythical creatures, and even satirical political figures.
This deep-rooted connection with its German and Swiss neighbours makes the Mulhouse Carnival a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the best of Alsace’s local culture with the energy of the great Rhine carnivals.
As 2025 marks Mulhouse’s 800th anniversary, this edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more spectacular than ever before!
Photos of the Mulhouse Carnival
Find out more about the city of Mulhouse.
