Carnival of Marseille 2026
Display the page in FrenchThe Marseille Carnival in 2026
For over three decades, the Marseille Carnival has brought together around 10,000 people in the Phocaean city. However, due to the 2026 municipal elections and a possible change in leadership, the organization of the official carnival by the City of Marseille remains uncertain. We will update this page as soon as information becomes available. Information about the independent La Plaine carnival is already available!
Access direct information about:
The City of Marseille Carnival in 2026
Date and organization not confirmed
Due to the municipal elections scheduled for 2026, the official Marseille Carnival has not yet been confirmed. We are closely following the news and will update this page as soon as official information is released.
If the carnival takes place, it may follow the traditional format with a parade of floats, street artists, and musicians, but no information is available at this time.
When will the 2026 edition of the independent La Plaine Carnival in Marseille take place?
The 27th independent La Plaine/Noailles/Réformés Carnival will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Place Jean Jaurès, starting at 2 PM. The theme "Balls, not bullets" may refer to the wars raging around the world. The carnival will be an opportunity to make our voices heard in a different way!
Pre-carnival program and workshops:
- Costume and makeup workshops:
- Casa Consolat (1, rue Consolat): March 21 and 28, 11 AM - 6 PM
- La Brigaille, Noailles Resource Center (47, Rue d'Aubagne): March 18, 21, 25, 28, 2 PM - 6 PM
- Dar Self-Managed Community Center (127, Rue d'Aubagne): March 24-28, 2 PM - 6 PM
- La marmite joyeuse with Blue and Erika (33, bd National): Hood workshop/free price, March 17 and 24, 4 PM - 7 PM
- Carnival singing workshops:
- Thursdays March 12, 19, and 26 from 8 PM to 10 PM at La Plaine (corner of Saint Savournin / Chave) with La Lutte Enchantée. Ask for the song booklet!
Events on Saturday, March 21:
- Batucada parade: 2 PM - 6 PM, from Noailles to La Plaine
- Soapbox car making: 2 PM - 6 PM, at La Plaine
- Masked ball: starting at 2 PM, at La Plaine
Events on Thursday, March 26:
- Soup-Karaoke: evening, at La Plaine
Events on Saturday, March 28:
- Soapbox car race: 6 PM, at La Plaine
On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the carnival will start at 2 PM at La Plaine. At 3 PM, silence! The trial of Caramantran begins. As every year, Caramantran, a character symbolizing the ills of the past year, will be judged, paraded through the streets, and finally burned.
During the parade, don't lose sight of Caramantran and don't lag behind. Around the bonfire, come sing, dance, and burn away your sorrows.
The traditional song "Adieu paure Carnaval" will be sung to light the bonfire. Here are the lyrics:
Chorus:
Adieu paure, adieu paure
Adieu paure Carnavas
Tu t'en vas e ieu m'entorni
Adieu paure Carnavas
Adieu ta bèla joinessa
Vaï ti siés pron diverti'
As acabat tei richessas
Ara deves t'en repentir
S'es verai qu'as fach ripalhas
Qu'as' dançat dins de palais
Vai resta nus sus la palha
E plen de fen coma un ai
Chorus +
Tchiri tchi tchi tchi tchi tchi tchiu
Escota ben marrit Jan Glaudi
Tchiri tchi tchi tchi tchi tchi tchiu
Escota ben ... ce que ti dieu (x3)
For more details and the rest of the lyrics, see the dedicated Wikipedia page.
Don't forget your glitter!
Whether you participate in the official or independent carnival, dress up, put on makeup, and light up your faces with glitter to celebrate in color!
Find all our glitter available for pickup in downtown Marseille.
