The Aalst Carnival will occur from February 7, 2027 to February 9, 2027.
The Aalst Carnival is celebrated in the Belgian city of Aalst.
Aalst Carnival, also known as Carnaval Aalst, is a cultural and folkloric event held in the city of Aalst in East Flanders, Belgium. It is renowned for being one of the most famous and lively carnivals in Belgium and even Europe. It is celebrated annually in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Aalst Carnival is recognized as one of the most famous and vibrant carnivals in Belgium and is included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The carnival has a rich history dating back several centuries and is deeply rooted in local traditions.
Aalst Carnival is distinctive for its satirical and irreverent floats, costumes, and performances, often featuring political and social commentary, caricatures, and humor. It’s important to note that the satirical nature of some of the displays in Aalst Carnival has led to controversy at times, with discussions about the boundaries of free expression and potential offense. The carnival remains a unique and cherished cultural event, drawing people from within Belgium and beyond to experience its lively and festive atmosphere.
Attending Aalst Carnival for the first time is an unforgettable experience filled with humor, creativity, and vibrant chaos. This event spans three days and features satirical floats, elaborate costumes, and lively music, often poking fun at politics, culture, and current events. Expect a mix of parades, street performances, and a free-spirited atmosphere where locals and visitors embrace the unconventional. Highlights include the “Voil Jeannetten” parade, where men dress in over-the-top outfits for comedic effect, and the nightly revelry in the streets. It’s a celebration that blends tradition with irreverence, so come ready to laugh, dance, and marvel at the wit and artistry of the participants.
Aalst Carnival is known for its satirical and often irreverent depictions of current events, politics, and societal issues. Participants create elaborate floats, costumes, and displays that often poke fun at local and international figures.
Aalst Carnival features lively parades with floats, marching bands, and participants in elaborate costumes. The parades wind through the streets of Aalst, attracting both locals and visitors.
The "Gilles" are central figures; costumed characters wearing vibrant suits with feathered hats, wax masks, and wooden footwear. The Gilles perform traditional dances and participate in various events throughout the carnival.
One distinctive feature of the Aalst Carnival is the throwing of oranges by participants on the floats to the crowd. While in some places, throws may include candies or trinkets, Aalst has a tradition of using oranges as throw items.
Music is a significant part of the carnival, with marching bands and other musical groups adding to the festive atmosphere. Dancing is also a common activity, especially during street parties and gatherings.
Aalst Carnival is a community-driven event, with many residents actively involved in its organization and participation. Local clubs, societies, and individuals contribute to the creativity and energy of the carnival.
Date: February 7, 2027
Location: Aalst City Centre, Aalst, Belgium
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (approximately)
The Grand Parade is the highlight of Aalst Carnival, where around 70 local carnival groups take to the streets with elaborately crafted satirical floats and costumes addressing local, national, and international topics with humor and irreverence. Attracting around 90,000 spectators, this is one of Belgium's most spectacular street parades.
Date: February 8, 2027
Location: Aalst City Centre, Aalst, Belgium
Time: Various times
Carnival Monday keeps the celebrations alive with street parties, music, and costumed revelers taking over the city centre for another full day of festivities, as the carnival spirit continues to build toward the final day.
Date: February 9, 2027
Location: Aalst City Centre, Aalst, Belgium
Time: Various times
Voil Jeannetten is the beloved closing tradition of Aalst Carnival, where men dress in extravagant women's clothing and parade through the streets in a raucous, humorous celebration that has become one of the most iconic and uniquely Aalst traditions of the entire event.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Aalst is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Belgium, across Europe, or internationally.
Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.
The best area to stay is the Aalst city centre, just a short walk from the Grote Markt, parade routes, and all the main Carnival festivities
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Aalst during Carnival is easy thanks to its small size and good transport links:
Wander through Aalst’s Old Town to see its Gothic architecture, stop by the lively Grote Markt for a local brew, or visit St. Martin’s Church to admire its stunning design. Art and history fans can check out ’t Gasthuys City Museum for a deep dive into Aalst’s culture. When it’s time to unwind, grab some Belgian fries and people-watch from a cozy café terrace.
Planning your Carnival trip goes beyond just booking flights and accommodation. These blogs provide tips for attending Aalst or any other Carnival worldwide:
