Carnaval Dunkerque Jet Harengs Jonathandelahaye
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Carnaval Dunkerque Jet Harengs Jonathandelahaye

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Jonathan Delahaye

The Dunkirk Carnival

Join the Carnival Crew!

A wave of madness and celebration sweeps across the region! The Dunkirk Carnival fills the streets with crowds of “masquelours” (carnival-goers in costume) and “forests of umbrellas.”

Want to join in the festivities? Everyone plays a part in the carnival, but before you dive right in, here are a few things you should know…


Carnaval De Dunkerque Premières Lignes
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Carnaval De Dunkerque - Premières lignes

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Ville de Dunkerque

Carnival Essentials

In Dunkirk, all five of your senses will come alive… and you might even discover a sixth: the spirit of celebration!

To make the most of your carnival experience, we’ve put together the ultimate Carnival-Goer’s Survival Kit: a code of conduct to know inside out, a carnival glossary, practical information and a few fun facts that make our Carnival such a unique tradition!
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Carnaval Dunkerque Musicien Cud Pierre Volot
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Carnaval Dunkerque Musicien Cud Pierre Volot

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CUD- Pierre Volot

The Origins of the Dunkirk Carnival

It takes a fair amount of optimism to explain the origins of the carnival frenzy that sweeps across the Dunkirk coastline every year! A few intrepid historians have tried to unravel the mystery, and they generally agree that it all began in the early 17th century, with celebrations organised by shipowners before Dunkirk’s sailors set off to fish for cod off the coast of Iceland.
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Carnaval Dress Code Jeanlouisburnod 24 2
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Carnaval Dress Code Jeanlouisburnod 24 2

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Jean Louis Burnod

What to Wear to the Carnival

A clet’che is simply a carnival-goer’s costume, and therefore part of their identity. Most masquelours (regular carnival-goers) never change theirs. They become known by their carnival nicknames, such as Pizza Pie, the Jolly Green Giant, Big Ears, Pompon, Widow Frédo and the Majorette…

There are no rules when it comes to putting together a costume, and some carnival-goers get very creative. Many men traditionally dress as women, but this is by no means compulsory. Here are some of the key elements of a typical carnival outfit…
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Carnaval Jean Louis Burnod 24 2
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Carnaval Jean Louis Burnod 24 2

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Jean Louis Burnod

2027 Dunkirk Carnival Dates

The Carnival season lasts for three months, with the highlight of the Dunkirk Carnival falling during Mardi Gras week. Some carnival-goers even take time off work to enjoy this sacred time of year! You’ll need an iron constitution to keep up with the pace, between Saturday night carnival balls and the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday parades…!
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Carnaval De Dunkerque Cud Jonathandelahaye 1
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Carnaval De Dunkerque Cud Jonathandelahaye 1

The Carnival Bands’ Routes

Put on your clet’che (Carnival costume), apply your best make-up and come join the parade! Expect a fantastic atmosphere, a warm welcome and plenty of joie de vivre. It’s a chance to share unforgettable moments that will send shivers down your spine as you sing along to carnival songs and dance to the sound of the fifes!
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