Carnaval de Tournai
Stadscarnaval van Tournai in hetzelfde halfvasten-weekend als de Laetare-traditie.
Activate local and regional tourism during Tournai's Carnaval weekend with experiential hospitality and cultural event partnerships.
- Celebrate Tournai's Carnaval traditions with exclusive local dining and accommodation packages
- Behind-the-scenes Carnaval prep content showcasing local artisans and costume makers
- Travel guides highlighting Tournai's Laetare-weekend festivities for regional visitors
- Partner with local retailers for Carnaval-themed promotions and street-level activations
The 46th edition of Tournai Carnival is announced as festive and vibrant. The 2026 theme is "Fais à t'MODE!" 34 floats, live music groups and percussionists (Chtiganza, Fantasia, Zikafonf, the Dévergondés and the Marching Band of the Tournai Conservatory) launch into this festive procession. The event brings together residents, associations and carnival groups around an accessible and open moment of celebration for all.
Thursday 12 March (evening)
Opening warm-up evening with DJ sets: La Get Set et Match (20h–22h), Pauline Platine (22h–23h45), DJ Coolman and Chavid Guetta (23h45–01h30); Fashion showcase and 'Fête à Vot'Mode' dress code
Friday 13 March (Big Big Bang)
Opening ceremony, fashion parade, grand bonfire; Evening: Big Fiesta concert (21h30 under marquee, Grand-Place); Feu des Rats d'Eau T'heu bonfire (22h, Place Saint-Pierre); DJ sets: Les Pharaphions (00h–01h45), DJ Flip (01h45–03h30)
Saturday 14 March (main day – 'Mascarade')
Key handover to Royal Couple 2026 (Georgette des Chtiganza & Roger des Rhoo j'ai); Communal carnival feast; Grand procession/Mascarade (2 departures: 14h30 & 14h45) with 34 floats, live bands, Chtiganza, Fantasia, Zikafonf, Dévergondés, Conservatory Marching Band; Pichou festivities (15h30) with duck fishing, tributes and traditional songs
Sunday 15 March (Pichou & finales)
Naïade tribute (music and homage to our Mother Carnival); Grand Ball evening with concert; Children's Ball (reserved for young carnival-goers); Operating hours: 13h–16h / 20h–4h
- Official key handover to the 2026 Royal Couple, Georgette des Chtiganza and Roger des Rhoo j'ai, with ancient Carnival Kings and Queens (Rois Décholés) and authorities present
- Festive communal carnival meal prepared by carnival brotherhoods (around Denis Raze), open to all
- The Mascarade: the grand carnival procession that takes over Tournai's streets for an afternoon with two departure points (Rue de l'Yser/Grand-Place at 14:30 and Rue Ste Catherine/St Piat at 14:45)
- Opening concert with Big Fiesta at 21h30 and the iconic Feu des Rats d'Eau T'heu bonfire at 22h00 on Place Saint-Pierre
- The Pichou: a folkloric moment with duck fishing for children (all rewarded) and tributes at 15h30 featuring carnival songs and traditions, organized by the P'tits Rambilles brotherhood since 1989
- Grand Ball and children's ball: Remise des clés, Mascarade, Pichous, funeral march and balls including a ball reserved for young carnival-goers
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