Event Details
Welcome to Dunkirk Carnival 2027
The Dunkirk Carnival is one of the largest and most distinctive carnivals in France and Europe. From 10 January to 21 March 2027, this North Sea port city transforms for several weeks into a spectacular celebration of music, costumes and age-old traditions. The bandes – massive street processions with up to 80,000 revellers – are the beating heart of this unique event.
The carnival traces its origins back over 600 years, with the earliest written records dating to 1397. Before their perilous fishing voyages to Iceland, ship-owners gave their fishermen a great feast, half their wages and a day of celebration known as the "Foye". This tradition gave birth to what has become one of northern France's most beloved festivals. Since 2008, the Dunkirk Carnival has been listed on France's national inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Les Trois Joyeuses – the absolute centrepiece of the carnival, centred around Mardi Gras on 9 February 2027, with the main bande weekend starting Sunday 7 February
- Bande de Dunkerque – the main procession through the city centre, with thousands of costumed revellers in clet'ch marching behind the tambour-major
- Bande de la Citadelle and Bande de Rosendaël – the other key processions of Les Trois Joyeuses
- Herring throw (Jet de Harengs) from the balcony of the Hôtel de Ville – the mayor and guests throw wrapped herrings into the crowd; catching one is considered a great honour
- Traditional carnival balls at the Kursaal and other venues throughout the city
- Bandes in surrounding towns including Malo-les-Bains, Bergues, Grand-Fort-Philippe and Gravelines
- Bande de Pitgam as the final highlight of the season in April 2027
- All bandes are entirely free of charge
Program 2027
The season begins traditionally on the Sunday after Epiphany and runs until Palm Sunday, 21 March 2027. The absolute highlight is Les Trois Joyeuses, centred on Mardi Gras, 9 February 2027. The main weekend with the Bande de Dunkerque kicks off on Sunday, 7 February. The Bande de la Citadelle and Bande de Rosendaël follow in the subsequent days. The Bande de Malo-les-Bains extends the celebrations about a week later. Bandes typically begin mid-morning and end in the late afternoon, after which the carnival balls at the Kursaal and other halls welcome revellers into the evening.
The exact dates of each individual bande and ball are published by the official Comité du Carnaval de Dunkerque approximately three months before the start of the season. Always check the Dunkirk Tourism website for the most current programme details.
Traditions & Costumes
Dunkirk Carnival has a style entirely its own. A costume – known as the clet'ch – is mandatory to take part in the bandes. There is no prescribed theme. Men dressed as women (an ancient local tradition), animal costumes, historical characters and political figures are all popular choices. The hat is often the centrepiece of the costume, prepared with great care for months in advance. A colourful umbrella, extravagant wig and bold make-up complete the look. Arriving without a costume is immediately noticed by locals.
Visitor Tips
- A costume and clet'ch are mandatory to join the bandes; participation without a costume is not possible.
- Arrive early: during Les Trois Joyeuses, up to 80,000 people take to the streets.
- Public buses (DK'BUS lines C1 to C4) run every 20 minutes during carnival; driving is not recommended on bande days.
- Book accommodation several months in advance as Dunkirk and the surrounding area fill up quickly at main bande weekends.
- Dress warmly: February on the North Sea coast is cold and damp.
- Learn the traditional carnival songs such as "La Cantate à Jean Bart" – locals greatly appreciate visitors who join in.
- All bandes are free to attend; only the carnival balls at the Kursaal and similar venues are ticketed.
