Carnaval de Nivelles
The 122nd edition of Nivelles' Gilles carnival with three days of folklore, brass bands, confetti and the closing Raclot.
Activate local and regional tourism during Nivelles' historic Gilles carnival with experiential hospitality and food-and-beverage tie-ins around three days of folklore and street celebration.
- Behind-the-scenes of 122 years of Gilles carnival tradition
- Local food & drink specials during the three-day festival
- Travel guides: planning your Nivelles Carnaval experience
- Brass band performances and confetti moments—live social coverage
The Carnaval de Nivelles 2026, 122nd edition, unveils a complete programme with traditions, new features and a popular atmosphere. From 7 to 24 February, the city of Nivelles will live to the rhythm of drums, fanfares, Gilles and confetti. The carnival is one of the most important in Belgium and the oldest in the province of Walloon Brabant. The programme is family-oriented, festive and rooted in local folklore, with special animations dedicated to children including a children's carnival.
Part 1
Friday 9 January 2026
- Soumonces générales on Saturday 7 February starting at 9 a.m. with drums, brass and rhythms echoing through the city, followed at 20:00 by the rondeau on Place Émile
- New 2026 feature: Boom des Enfants on Sunday 8 February from 13:00 to 18:00 with DJ BRD and prince/princess election
- Children's Carnival on Saturday 21 February at 14:30 departing from Gare de l'Est with local groups
- Grand Cavalcade on Sunday 22 February departing at 13:45 from the train station with ten societies fielding ~600 Gilles, Paysannes, Enfants de Jean de Nivelles and Arlequins
- Monday 23 February evening: rondeau of carnival societies (21:15 Grand-Place) and fireworks from Forem car park (22:00)
- Raclot on Tuesday 24 February from 14:00 closing the festivities