Event Details
Welcome to Eupen Carnival 2027
From 4 to 8 February 2027, Eupen, the capital of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, transforms into a spectacular carnival destination. Eupen Carnival follows authentic Rhineland tradition and is one of the most charming and genuine carnival festivals in the Benelux region. The highlight is the Rose Monday parade on 8 February 2027, starting at 12:30 at Werthplatz, with more than 60 groups, floats and brass bands marching through the streets of the city. From the traditional Ladies Thursday to the children's parade and the grand Rose Monday procession, Eupen Carnival is a true community festival for all ages.
Highlights
- Traditional Ladies Thursday with symbolic handover of the town hall keys at 11:11 AM
- Children's parade on Tulip Sunday, 7 February 2027
- Grand Rose Monday parade on 8 February 2027 from 12:30, starting at Werthplatz
- Over 60 groups with handcrafted floats and brass bands
- Several tonnes of sweets and gifts thrown to the crowd
- After party at Werthplatz following the parade
- Rhineland-Belgian carnival tradition dating back to 1213
Program 2027
Thursday, 4 February 2027: Ladies Thursday
Carnival week opens with the traditional Ladies Thursday. At 11:11 AM, the mayor symbolically hands over the town hall keys to the women of Eupen. Various carnival clubs celebrate through the streets and local venues open for the first carnival parties of the season.
Sunday, 7 February 2027: Tulip Sunday with Children's Parade
The Eupen children's parade takes place on Tulip Sunday, welcoming families and young visitors to the Old Town. Many groups and floats preparing for Rose Monday can already be seen on this day.
Monday, 8 February 2027: Rose Monday Parade
The Rose Monday parade is the absolute centrepiece of Eupen Carnival. From 12:30, the procession sets off from Werthplatz. More than 60 groups with handcrafted floats and brass bands march along a route covering more than 7.5 km through the city streets. Participants throw and distribute several tonnes of sweets and treats to costumed spectators lining the streets. After the parade, an after party takes place at Werthplatz.
Parade Route
The Rose Monday parade starts at Gospertstraße and follows a route through Werthplatz, Hookstraße, Aachener Straße, Rathausplatz, Paveestraße, Marktplatz, Kirchstraße, Bergstraße, Olengraben, Haasstraße and Schilsweg to Bellmerin, where a break takes place. The parade then returns along the same route back to Werthplatz, where it concludes and the after party begins.
Admission
Eupen Carnival is a free street carnival with no tickets required. Access to the parades and street celebrations is open to everyone at no cost. Some indoor events, sittings and parties organised by individual carnival clubs may require separate tickets.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early to claim a good spot along the parade route; popular sections fill up quickly.
- Wear a costume: Eupen Carnival is a participatory festival and dressed-up visitors are very much part of the spirit.
- Pack warm and waterproof clothing as early February in the Eastern Cantons can be cold and wet.
- Book accommodation in Eupen and the surrounding region well in advance as demand is very high during carnival days.
- Travel by train: Eupen is well connected by rail from Liège and Aachen; parking in the city centre is very limited during carnival.
- Bring a bag for the sweets thrown from the floats during the parade.
