Cwarmê Carnival, Malmedy, Belgium 2027: Dates, Parade & Guide

Welcome to the Cwarmê 2027 in Malmedy

Cwarmê, the carnival of Malmedy, takes place from 6 to 9 February 2027 in the historic centre of Malmedy, Wallonia, Belgium. Belgium’s oldest carnival and an item of intangible heritage of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, it lasts four days, from Saturday to Shrove Tuesday. Expect 15 traditional masks, a major folklore parade and satirical street theatre in Walloon.

Highlights & Attractions at Cwarmê in Malmedy

• Grand folklore parade on Sunday, 7 February 2027, with thousands of costumed participants and the 15 traditional masks
• The Haguètes in red robes and plumed hats, teasing onlookers with wooden tongs (hape-tchâr)
• Saturday opening by the “Giant Police” and the Trouv’lê, who receives a grain shovel from the mayor as a symbol of renewal
• Dance of the Haguètes and combat of the Hârlikins
• Monday of the “Rôles”: satirical street-theatre sketches on mobile stages
• Mâssis Toûr of the carnival societies on Shrove Tuesday
• Burning of the Haguète on Tuesday evening on Place Albert Ier, marking the end of winter

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

Cwarmê 2027 follows the liturgical calendar and ends on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027. On Saturday, 6 February, festivities start from 9:00; the Trouv’lê reigns over the town until Tuesday evening. On Sunday, 7 February, the Haguètes gather at 12:30 and the grand folkloric procession leaves at 14:00 through Place de Rome, Chemin-rue and the old streets. Afterwards comes the Bâne courante, the open street carnival. On Monday, 8 February, the Rôles begin at 11:00: local societies perform biting reviews of the year’s local events. On Tuesday, 9 February, societies go out individually from 14:00; the Haguète is burned at 19:00. Traditionally the streets stay lively until midnight.

Tickets & Admission for Cwarmê Malmedy

Cwarmê in Malmedy is a free street festival. There are no tickets and no admission fees for the parade or street theatre. Food, drinks and souvenirs at stalls and cafés are paid separately in euro. Updates on reusable cups, toilets and first aid are published by the Royal Syndicat d’Initiative de Malmedy on the official tourism website.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Malmedy

• Getting there: Malmedy is in the province of Liège. Travel by train via Verviers, then bus or taxi to the centre; by car via the E42. Recommended parking: Malmedy Expo (often free during Cwarmê); the centre is closed to traffic on parade days.
• Clothing: February in the Ardennes is cold, often wet, sometimes snowy. Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes and a rain jacket; costumes are welcome but not required.
• Book accommodation early: Malmedy is small, and hotels and holiday rentals in the centre and the High Fens area fill up quickly during carnival week.
• Arrive early for the parade: take a spot from midday on Place de Rome and along Chemin-rue; the Haguètes interact directly with the crowd.
• Learn the masks first: the Malmundarium in Malmedy explains the 15 characters (Haguète, Trouv’lê, Longs-Nés, Boldjîs and others) and the Walloon tradition of Cwarmê.