Laetare de Stavelot
521st Laetare with the white-hooded Blancs Moussis, 2,500 participants, 5 tons of confetti and fireworks.
Promote this centuries-old Belgian carnival tradition to cultural tourists and local event enthusiasts seeking authentic European heritage experiences.
- Behind-the-scenes of the iconic white-hooded Blancs Moussis tradition
- 5-ton confetti spectacle: how Stavelot's carnival creates Instagram-worthy moments
- 521 years of carnival history: why this Belgian festival matters to cultural travelers
The Laetare of Stavelot is a traditional carnival that occurs every Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent) in Stavelot, Liège Province, Belgium. This tradition, in Belgium's Wallonia region, is also known for its principal attraction: the "Blancs Moussis". The 2026 edition (521st anniversary) is placed under the sign of tradition—a return to purely Stavelotain roots, without extravagance. With its 2,200 participants and 35,000 spectators, the Laetare of Stavelot is a very popular festival. Saturday night "Stallumez-Vous!" nocturnal parade full of humor and light Saturday Ball at the Abbey with heated tent and carnival atmosphere, featuring DJs Kilian, Kelly, and Loris Sunday Grand Parade at 1:30 PM featuring 2,500 participants and street entertainment with Réveil Ardennais Blancs-Moussis Rondeau at Place St-Remacle (end of parade) followed by afternoon/evening stages with brass bands, harmonies and Bandas 9:00 PM: One of the largest Fireworks displays in the region White Night of the Blancs-Moussis in the Abbey cellars at 10:00 PM with Bandas and Orchestras
Part 1
Saturday 14 March