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Carnival

The Blois carnival is a large-scale people’s procession proceeding down the town streets in the month of March. Hustle and bustle characterize a once-a-year occasion applying make-up and disguises, while singing and dancing to celebrate the arrival of spring.

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Gratuit

Organized by: City of Blois

The 2023 edition

A new adventure awaits the 2023 carnival. More interactive, it will invite you to get involved in the making of emblematic characters, which will be found every year:

  • Robert-Houdin, the magician;
  • Auguste Poulain, the chocolate man;
  • and Denis Papin, the steam man.

They will open the parade on Sunday, March 26, 2023 which will start from the south of the Loire to arrive at the Royal castle. At the bottom of the Denis-Papin staircase, an election of the best sidekick will take place. At the end, a grand ball will be given at the Royal castle, reserved for people in costume. Take part in the workshops led by the company Des Cousus or make your own costume on the theme "Get out of your bubble", in a nod to the 40th anniversary of bd BOUM!

2023 Workshops

Get ready for the 2023 Blois Carnival with our free workshops:

  • Espace Mirabeau
    • tuesday 21 februrary, 16h–18h : singing (all audiences)
    • wednesday 22 februrary, 17h–20h : costumes (all audiences)
  • Espace Quinière – Rosa-Park
    • friday 17 februrary, 10h–12h30 : masks (6–10 years old)
    • monday 20 februrary, 14h30–16h30 : dancing (all audiences)
  • Maison des provinces
    • wednesday 15 march, 14h–17h : costume (all audiences)
    • wednesday 22 march, 14h–17h : costume (all audiences from 7 years old)
  • ALCV
    • tuesday 28 februrary, 19h : dancing
    • tuesday 7 march, 19h : singing
  • Maison de la bd : tuesday 28 februrary, 14h — commis strip writing workshop (from 7 years old)
  • Halle aux Grains : friday 17 march, 18h30 — general rehearsal

Festival of carnivals from throughout the world

Blois celebrates carnivals from throughout the world by inviting artists who, as the parade proceeds, render the carnival spirit all-embracing.

International, national and local companies place their talents at the service of street arts, parading side by side with recreation centers, associations and volunteers. A joyous procession enlivens the streets of Blois from the place du royal Château to the place de la République, with departure and arrival being marked with great fanfare. Each year, the esplanade of the old Halle aux Grains serves as theater for an original final spectacle.

Disguise yourself, choose your own make-up, sing, dance and – above all – participate!