Carnaval de Laeken

The Carnaval de Laeken takes place on Saturday 23 May 2026 and revives a beloved historic event that animated the Palais-Outre-Ponts neighbourhood in the 1960s. The event returns in a contemporary, participatory version focused on residents. Artistic workshops and community meetings run year-round to collectively create the carnival. Fully collaborative parade where residents create costumes, masks and parade elements through pre-event workshops rather than serving as mere spectators DIY creative approach using recycled materials—cardboard unicorns, handmade masks and hand-sewn costumes form the visual universe Street parade departure at 1 rue des Artistes at 16:00, arrival at Place Saint-Lambert at 17:30 with neighbourhood party featuring performances, food and drinks Community-led event prioritising artistic experimentation and civic participation over rigid rules, aligned with Brussels cultural democratisation values Open to all—both Laeken residents and visitors from other municipalities Four main pre-parade workshops: carnival choir (singing), carnival rhythms (instruments), giant head construction, and costume & mask making Community and family-focused; hundreds participated in inaugural 2025 edition; appeals to residents of all ages, youth structures, schools, associations, and local shops