Carnaval de Verviers

Verviers' carnival parade winds through the textile city centre on the first Sunday of March.

Marketing angleinferred

Drive foot traffic and tourism to Verviers during carnival season by positioning the parade as a cultural draw for regional and international visitors.

Relevance 45medium intent

Carnival parade highlights: behind-the-scenes float design and costume prep
Local business spotlights: how Verviers retailers capitalize on carnival crowds
Travel guide: carnival weekend itineraries for Verviers visitors
Cultural heritage angle: Verviers' textile history meets modern carnival traditions

Programme

The Carnaval de Verviers takes place on 28 February and 1 March 2026, organized by ASBL Carnaval de Verviers . The 2026 cortège features 46 floats and 2,800 costumed participants . The organizers hope to attract as many spectators as the previous edition, which drew some 20,000 people . While there is no new prince this year, the festive atmosphere is assured .

Part 1

Saturday 28 February – Morning

Part 2

Traditional breakfast 8:30–11:00 at Athénée Royal Thil Lorrain (€15 adult, €12 child)

Part 3

Saturday 28 February – Afternoon

Part 4

Free family activities from 13:00: face painting, carnival accessories stand, children's show

Part 5

clown Alfonso with stilts from 14:00

Part 6

Saturday 28 February – Evening

Part 7

Dinner and party from 21:00 with DJ and live performers (Thierry & Charly)

Part 8

reservation required via carnavalverviers.be

Part 9

Sunday 1 March – Afternoon/Evening

Part 10

Cortège departure 13:00 from Place du Martyr

Part 11

final parade 17:00 at Place du Martyr

Part 12

closing party 17:30 at Thil Lorrain hall with DJ Sergio

Part 13

Hall of Athénée Thil Lorrain and streets of Verviers, 4800 Verviers

Part 14

Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026

Part 15

Saturday: breakfast 8:30–11:00, afternoon from 13:00, evening from 21:00. Sunday: cortège 13:00–17:00, closing party 17:30

Part 16

Saturday breakfast €15 adult, €12 child. Most afternoon activities free, no reservation needed. Saturday evening and Sunday closing party require reservation via carnavalverviers.be

Part 17

Parking available at train station (1,100 spaces, €5/day), Crescend'Eau (during opening hours), or near Pathé cinema. Carnival group members park at Belgacom site

Saturday breakfast: 8:30–11:00 at Athénée Royal Thil Lorrain (€15 per adult, €12 per child)
Saturday afternoon (free, no reservation): children's face painting, carnival accessory stand, clown Alfonso with stilts from 14:00
Saturday evening party with DJ and live performers starting 21:00 (reservation via carnavalverviers.be)
Sunday cortège: departure 13:00 from Place du Martyr roundabout, final parade 17:00 at Place du Martyr, closing party 17:30 at Thil Lorrain hall with DJ Sergio
Food trucks and bars at Place Verte and Place du Martyr
free evening party at 17:30 with DJ Sergio
A special carnival magazine and poster distributed during the weekend documenting the carnival's history and iconic characters like the giant Bihin