Cwarmê
566th edition of Malmedy's Rhenish-tradition carnival, the Cwarmê, with the Haguète and four days of masked cortèges in the city centre.
Leverage Malmedy's historic 566-year carnival tradition to drive tourism, local hospitality bookings, and experiential retail during the four-day masked cortège festival.
- 566 years of Rhenish carnival tradition: why Cwarmê is Europe's hidden gem festival
- Haguète masks & masked cortèges: behind the scenes of Malmedy's carnival spectacle
- Plan your Cwarmê escape: hotels, restaurants & local experiences during carnival season
- Local artisans & costume makers: the craft behind Malmedy's carnival masks
The Cwarmê is a carnival which takes place in the city of Malmedy, Belgium, lasting four days and listed as intangible heritage of the French Community of Belgium. This event is famous for its fascinating masks: no less than 15 different characters. The Cwarmê of Malmedy celebrates its 566th edition in 2026.
Saturday 14 Feb
Festivities open at 09:00. From 14:45, Trouv'lê reception and revised Saturday cortège (modified route to reduce gaps). Cortèges depart Place Albert 1er at 16:30 and Place de Rome with 15-min offset.
Sunday 15 Feb
Haguète assembly at 12:30. Main folkloric procession launches at 14:00 from Place de Rome with 1,500+ in traditional costume. Haguète dances and 'Hârlikins' combat. Finale (Bâne Corante) at 17:30 Place de Rome; 18:15 Place Albert 1er.
Monday 16 Feb
Lu Toûr do Londi (newly revived street cortège) opens at 10:00 with Walloon-language comedy scenes on Place Saint-Géréon kiosque. Union Wallonne and Malmédienne society performances follow.
Tuesday 17 Feb (Mardi Gras)
Individual guild processions from 14:00. Ceremonial burning of the Haguète (mâssis toûr finale) at 19:00 Place Albert 1er, closing the carnival.
- Over 1,500 costumed participants in 15 traditional masks parade through town, each with distinct historical roles and gestures
- Sunday procession is the climax, featuring intronisations, Haguète dances, and the main folkloric procession at 14:00
- Monday features 'Lu Toûr do Londi' (returning after years of absence)—a street cortège from 10:00 followed by satirical Walloon theatre on Place Saint-Géréon, then performances by traditional carnival societies
- Trouv'lê character ceremonially receives power from the mayor (365-day symbolic reign)
- Tuesday Mardi Gras closes with carnival guild processions and the ceremonial burning of the Haguète at 19:00
- 16th is marked by the return of a historic street procession and Walloon-language comedy scenes