The Limoux Carnival will take place from January 2, 2027 to March 13, 2027.
The Limoux Carnival is celebrated in the town of Limoux, located in the Occitanie region of southern France.
The Limoux Carnival is one of the longest-running carnivals in the world, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It takes place in the town of Limoux, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in southern France. This carnival is renowned for its unique and vibrant atmosphere, characterized by colorful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes.
What sets the Limoux Carnival apart is its distinctive style of celebration known as “Les Fécos.” During Les Fécos, groups of revelers, called “bandes,” roam the streets, dressed in eccentric and often satirical costumes, poking fun at politicians, local figures, and societal norms. These performances are marked by spontaneous wit, humor, and improvisation, creating a sense of joyful chaos that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
The Limoux Carnival typically spans several months, beginning in early January and culminating in March. Its festivities draw crowds from far and wide, offering a cultural experience that blends tradition, creativity, and community spirit. Whether participating in the parades, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the festive ambiance, the Limoux Carnival offers a memorable celebration deeply rooted in history and cherished by generations.
At Limoux’s Carnival, expect to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of colorful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes. The carnival’s hallmark “Les Fécos” performances feature groups of revelers roaming the streets, donning eccentric costumes and engaging in spontaneous satire aimed at politicians, local figures, and societal norms. The atmosphere is one of joyful chaos, filled with laughter, wit, and community spirit. Whether you’re participating in the parades, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the vibrant ambiance, Limoux’s Carnival promises an unforgettable celebration deeply rooted in tradition and creativity.
The carnival’s heart is its traditional parades, where fecos groups (bands of masked performers) parade through the streets, accompanied by live music. The slow, deliberate movements of the dancers add mystique and charm.
Performers wear elaborate masks and costumes that range from humorous to fantastical. Each group has its own unique theme, often incorporating local folklore and satirical elements.
At night, the carnival transforms with illuminated parades, creating a magical atmosphere. The glow of lanterns combined with the costumes makes for an enchanting spectacle.
As the birthplace of Blanquette de Limoux, one of the world’s oldest sparkling wines, the carnival includes plenty of opportunities to sample this local specialty. Wine tastings and pairings are often part of the festivities.
A key feature is the brass band music that accompanies every parade, setting the rhythm for the dancers. The traditional tunes create a festive yet intimate atmosphere that’s distinctly Limoux.
Most of the action takes place in Limoux’s central square, Place de la République. The parades circle the square several times, creating a communal and immersive experience for attendees.
Date: January 2, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 7:00 PM
The arrival of the carnival float officially opens the 2027 Limoux Carnival season.
Date: January 3, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Meuniers take to the streets of Limoux for three traditional carnival outings accompanied by music and masked dancers.
Date: January 9, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Las Piotos and Les Drôles lead the day’s traditional carnival processions through the streets of Limoux.
Date: January 10, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Blanquetiers continue the Limoux Carnival tradition with three masked and musical outings during the day.
Date: January 16, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Las Poupinetos and Los Encantados fill Limoux with traditional masks, music and distinctive carnival choreography.
Date: January 17, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Le Paradou presents three traditional carnival outings through the historic centre of Limoux.
Date: January 23, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Rambaïurs and Les Brounzinaïres take their turn leading Limoux’s traditional masked carnival processions.
Date: January 24, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Las Fennas bring music, masks and traditional carnival movement to the streets of Limoux.
Date: January 30, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Pébradous and Fleurs d’Arques lead three traditional carnival outings during the day.
Date: January 31, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Le Tivagou closes out the January programme with three traditional carnival appearances.
Date: February 6, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Pitchouns and Les Tap’s bring another full day of traditional carnival processions to Limoux.
Date: February 7, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Arcadiens lead the Sunday carnival outings with traditional masks, music and dancing.
Date: February 9, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Anciens lead Limoux’s Mardi Gras celebrations with three traditional outings throughout the day.
Date: February 12, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Las Estelas take over Limoux for a Friday programme of traditional carnival music and masked processions.
Date: February 13, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Carnaval du Monde brings an international dimension to Limoux Carnival, accompanied by performances from Les Afogats.
Date: February 14, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
All participating carnival bands come together for a combined procession through Limoux.
Date: February 19, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Retraités continue the carnival season with three traditional outings through Limoux.
Date: February 20, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Estabousits and Las Coudenos lead a full day of traditional masked carnival processions.
Date: February 21, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Le Pont Vieux takes to the streets for three traditional carnival outings during the day.
Date: February 22, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Local schoolchildren participate in a special carnival outing celebrating Limoux’s traditions.
Date: February 23, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The school carnival programme continues with another daytime outing through Limoux.
Date: February 24, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 2:30 PM
The Children’s Carnival gives younger participants their own afternoon of costumes, music and carnival traditions.
Date: February 25, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Students continue the week of school carnival activities with a daytime outing in Limoux.
Date: February 26, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The school carnival programme concludes with another celebration of local carnival heritage.
Date: February 27, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Mainatches and Les Copins return the carnival programme to its traditional schedule of three daily outings.
Date: February 28, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Le Tivoli closes the February programme with traditional carnival appearances throughout the day.
Date: March 6, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Remenils and Les Inflaurs d’Achille begin the final stretch of Limoux Carnival with three traditional outings.
Date: March 7, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Monte Cristo leads three carnival processions as the festival approaches its final weekend.
Date: March 13, 2027
Location: Place de la République, 11300 Limoux, France
Time: 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Les Jouves and Les Limouxins bring the published 2027 Limoux Carnival schedule to a close with three final outings.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Limoux is easy to reach whether you’re coming from within France, 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 place to stay for Limoux Carnival is right in the town centre, as close to Place de la République as possible — all parades circle the square, and being within walking distance means you can dip in and out of the festivities across multiple weekends throughout the Carnival season.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Limoux during Carnival is easy thanks to its small size and pedestrian-friendly town center:
Stroll the historic streets of Limoux Old Town, relax with a glass of local fizz in Place de la République, or learn about the region’s famous sparkling wine at Maison Guinot. Take a scenic drive through the Aude Valley to explore vineyards and countryside villages, or visit nearby Carcassonne for medieval walls and fairytale views. As evening settles in, the traditional music and masked revelry keep the Carnival spirit alive.
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Limoux Carnival and other Global Carnivals:
