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Carnaval de Wavre

Wavre's Laetare carnival with its folklore groups parading through the centre in mid-March.

ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.

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Marketing angleinferred

Activate local hospitality and retail around Wavre's mid-March Laetare carnival parade to drive foot traffic and tourism during the folklore celebration weekend.

Relevance 35medium intent
  • Carnival parade guide: where to watch Wavre's folklore groups in action
  • Local eats & drinks: best spots to celebrate Laetare weekend in Wavre
  • Plan your carnival trip: accommodation & event logistics for mid-March
  • Behind-the-scenes: folklore group traditions at Carnaval de Wavre
Programme

The Carnaval de Wavre is a tradition well rooted in the city's life, combining carnival with the Grand Feu (Great Fire), a key moment of local folklore. The carnival features a procession through the city highlighting groups, costumes and animations, with the Grand Feu closing the event as a festive and symbolic ritual deeply present in Walloon traditions. 14–15 March 2026: grand parade with carnival groups, costumes, and festivities Saturday reserved for children aged 5–13 with activities at Town Hall and in streets Sunday: Grand Costume handover to the Maca (city giant), carnival procession, final rondeau, and Grand Fire (symbolic end-of-winter ritual) Procession composed of carnival groups from Limal, Bierges, across Belgium and occasionally France The celebrated Gilles du Maca group leads the final rondeau and Grand Fire 2026 enhancements: grimages, inflatable castle, and official opening at 11:11 with key handover to new royal couple (Véronique 1re & Pascal 1er)

Part 1

Saturday 14 March 2026 (14:30–17:30)

Part 2

Children's Carnival at Town Hall: election of prince and princess carnival who will accompany the new royal couple to open Sunday's procession

Part 3

Saturday 14 March 2026 afternoon

Part 4

Animations for children: face painting, inflatable castle

Part 5

Sunday 15 March 2026 (from 10:00)

Part 6

Town centre reserved for pedestrians

Part 7

at 11:11, official opening with key handover to new royal couple

Part 8

Sunday 15 March 2026 (afternoon)

Part 9

Colourful procession with costumed groups, musicians, and decorated floats offering rich festival spectacle

Part 10

Sunday 15 March 2026 (late afternoon/evening)

Part 11

Final rondeau and Grand Fire with burning of winter effigy and traditional Gilles dance