day · fixed · Andenne (Andenne centrum) BE
Carnaval des Ours d'Andenne
69e editie: zo'n 500 beren, dertig praalwagens en fanfares trekken door de stad, met het gooien van pluchen beren en een nieuwe reus Martin III.
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Marketing angleinferred
Leverage a quirky, family-friendly local carnival tradition to drive tourism and hospitality bookings in Andenne during the festival period.
- Celebrate 69 years of bear-themed carnival magic with plush toy giveaways and parade floats
- Plan your family trip to Andenne's iconic bear carnival—book hotels and restaurants now
- Behind-the-scenes of 500 bears and 30 parade floats: a local tradition worth experiencing
Programme
The 69th edition of the Carnaval des Ours took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Andenne. This event, the most frequented in Andenne alongside the Walloon Festivals, was organized by the Carnaval des Ours association at La Laetare. Inspired by the famous legend of Charles Martel vanquishing an ours in Andenne, the Carnival celebrates since 1954 this animal that has become the city's symbol.
Line-up
Six distinct bear troops: Les Laids Tarés, Retour aux s'Ours, Troupe de l'Épervier des scouts with Cage aux Ours, Ourchons, Troubad'ours, Hawaï-OursForty floats (chariots) with creative, themed designsMultiple fanfaresGiant Martin III (new 2026)Sunday, 15 March 2026 – 14:00- Approximately 500 bears paraded through the city centre, accompanied by around 30 creative floats with diverse themes and fanfares.
- A new highlight: the giant Martin III, representing the legendary bear, made its first appearance in Andenne's streets.
- The traditional throwing of lucky teddy bears from the Town Hall balcony—the most anticipated moment of the day.
- Colorful bears in brown, beige, or black hues animate the parade through distinct groups and make-up, teasing spectators
- the procession culminates in a circle on Place des Tilleuls where floats parade before the elected Carnival King, Queen, Prince, and Princess, who then throw dated plush bears to the crowd below.
- A fairground with around twenty travelling vendors was set up on Place des Tilleuls and remained until March 23.
- The Friday market (March 13) featured themed carnival decorations and a fairground with rides (bumper cars, duck fishing, children's carousel, trampoline, croustillons, etc.).