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day · range · Virton (Saint-Mard) (Place Jean-Philippe Lavallé, Saint-Mard) BE

Carnaval de Saint-Mard

Gaume carnival classified as Walloon intangible heritage; 12th cavalcade on Sunday.

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Marketing angleinferred

Promote the historic Carnaval de Saint-Mard as an authentic Walloon cultural experience to drive regional tourism and hospitality bookings during carnival season.

Relevance 35medium intent
  • 12 centuries of tradition: experience Gaume's UNESCO-recognized carnival heritage
  • Cavalcade Sunday spectacle—book your stay in Saint-Mard for the ultimate cultural immersion
  • Taste Walloon carnival cuisine and crafts at Europe's oldest regional festival
Programme

The Carnaval de Virton/Saint-Mard runs from 27 February to 1 March . This is the twelfth edition of this carnival now well-established in Saint-Mard traditions . 40 groups are expected to celebrate in the village streets , with groups coming from Belgium, France and Switzerland . The village-run event draws large crowds and maintains a blend of live music, costume contests, family activities and festive dining.

Line-up
Émulation harmonie (Habay) as Prince Carnaval 2026Los Tabascos (musicians/performers)DJ RenoDJ Franck TurchiDJ JT (Julien Toussaint)DJ Renaud VerdunGroups from Switzerland, France, Belgium

Friday 27 Feb

21:00 Disco Party with DJ trio (Reno, Franck, JT) + Prince coronation opening. Advance €6 / door €8

Saturday 28 Feb

15:00 Free children's carnival with magic show and drawing contest. 21:30+ Carnival Party ball with DJ special guest. Advance €6 / door €8

Sunday 1 March

14:30 Free 12th Cavalcade with ~40 groups from CH/FR/local. 17:00 Final rondeau at kiosk with ~200 musicians. All free access, fairground open

  • Friday opening with the prince carnival coronation of Sébastien II, followed by a disco evening with three renowned DJs from the region: Franck Turchi, Julien Toussaint and Renaud Verdun
  • Saturday afternoon free family formula: children's carnival, drawing contest and 3 pm magic show under tent
  • Sunday's free cavalcade with roughly 40 groups departing at 14:30 from avenue Wauters to reach Saint-Mard centre
  • Final procession at the KIOSK featuring approximately 200 musicians—a unique and exceptional moment in the Gaume region
  • DJ animation by Hexagone Event, medical care by LUXRESCUE TEAM, security by SECORE throughout the weekend
  • Fairground attractions present over the weekend
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