Carnivals in Wallonia: a lively and colourful tradition

Every year, Wallonia comes alive to the rhythm of the carnivals, festivities steeped in Belgian history and folklore. These celebrations, rich in tradition, attract thousands of visitors and are the pride of the local people. The origins of Walloon carnivals date back to the Middle Ages. These festivities marked the transition from winter to spring. It was a time of freedom and excess before Lent. Even today, these festivities retain a character that is both pagan and religious, combining mockery, tradition and folklore.

Key Carnival moments in 2025

The 2025 carnival season kicks off on Sunday 23 February with the Bastogne carnival and ends on Monday 31 March with the Stavelot Laetare. There are numerous carnivals between these two dates in a whole range of communes, towns and villages in Wallonia. There are also carnivals in Flanders and Brussels. 

Carnivals not to be missed

• Binche Carnival (2 to 4 March 2025): listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site, this carnival is famous for its Gilles, characters in richly decorated costumes and wax masks who throw oranges at the crowd. 
• Cwarmê de Malmedy (1 to 4 March 2025): this four-day carnival features a large procession with over 1,500 participants and 15 traditional costumes. The Haguète, the emblematic character, immobilises passers-by with a « Happe-chair ». 
• Carnaval de La Louvière (9 to 11 March 2025): this mid-Lent celebration features Gilles, traditional music and a grand parade, starting at 3am on Sunday. 
• Laetare de Stavelot (29 to 31 March 2025): This carnival is famous for its « Blancs Moussis« , characters dressed entirely in white with long noses, who parade around throwing confetti. Laetare is a festival full of humour. The Confrérie Folklorique des Blancs Moussis has over 350 members who are dedicated to promoting the Blanc Moussi tradition, developing tourism and the economy in Stavelot and promoting brotherhood. 

How a Carnival Day unfolds and the enthusiasm of citizens

The festivities begin at dawn with the gathering of costumed participants. Parades, led by brass bands and folk groups, take over the streets. Street performances, dances and songs punctuate the day. The traditional throwing of oranges and confetti adds to the festive atmosphere. The evening often ends with fireworks or the symbolic burning of an effigy. In other words, carnival is more than just a party for many Walloons; it’s a time for intergenerational transmission and conviviality. The people of Wallonia take great pride in these traditions.

Focus on the Dragon Carnival in Emines (near Namur)

The Knights of Emines Carnival will take place on 1 and 2 February 2025. On Saturday 1 February, from 1pm, there will be a children’s carnival with a medieval village and indoor games. On Sunday 2 February at 12.30pm, a carnival dinner will be held at the Emines cultural centre. At 3pm, there will be a carnival procession. From 6pm, there will be a clash of children, ladies and titans, the lighting of the bonfire and a fireworks display. Information on the history of the Emines carnival is not given in the sources, but you can keep up to date via their website. 

For your information: Calendar of carnivals in Wallonia