The colourful and vibrant Carnival of Mulhouse has a strong tradition in the Alsace region. In 2018 it celebrated its 65th edition. The Mulhouse Carnival shows similar features to the many carnivals celebrated in southern Germany and northern Switzerland.
Watch our short video presentation about Mardi Gras in France:
The Mulhouse Carnival in Alsace
The Carnival of Mulhouse takes place for three days in Winter when the historic centre is the centre stage for large parades. The festivities involve more than 100 associations (community centres, uni students, etc.) which participate in the colourful and noisy processions and the making of floats. The carnival attracts an estimated 2,200 dressed-up French, Swiss and German revellers marching, dancing and singing on the town streets.
Fasnacht Carnivals
The Carnival of Mulhouse can be described as a Fasnacht-style Carnival. Fasnacht (or Fastnacht) derives from the German words ‘faster‘ (to fast) and ‘nacht‘ (night), meaning the celebrations on the eve preceding the fasting period of Lent. Mainly celebrated in Alsace, Southern Germany, Northern Switzerland and Vorarlberg (Austria), Fasnacht carnivals have been part of the local tradition for centuries, with Basel being the largest and most famous. The particularity of a Fasnacht carnival resides in the parades and costume balls involving grotesque characters such as Daemon figures, jesters, legendary figures, witches, animal figures…
The programme
The key handover ceremony takes place in the presence of the Mayor of Mulhouse on Friday night.
On Saturday afternoon, the Children’s carnival starts at 2.30 pm and is a beautiful and cheerful procession especially for families.
On Sunday afternoon, the Great International Parade starts at 2.30 pm and runs through the historic town centre of Mulhouse. In the evening, a special event is organised under the big Carnival tent on Place de la Réunion.
The festivities are supplemented by several workshops, including Carnival pastries, mask creation, face painting and more.
Photos of the Mulhouse Carnival
Find out more about the city of Mulhouse.
