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Dunkirk Carnival, France

Las reinas del carnaval son de gran importancia durante el Carnaval de San Miguel
San Miguel Carnival, El Salvador
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Mulhouse Carnival, France

 

What is the Dunkirk Carnival?

The Dunkirk Carnival is a celebration that takes place in northern France and is one of the most unique festivals in the country where the streets are filled with color, music and sandals. These carnivals attract around 40,000 people who march through the streets of the city following the tradition that has been celebrated since the 17th century.

Carnival in this city lasts about two months, from January to March, at which time people wear fine garments, costumes and wigs and masks. People gather to parade through the streets of the town with umbrellas, shouting, singing and dancing. On Saturday nights there are large dances and on Sunday afternoons, the various bandas and orquestas entertain the participants passing through the streets.



The climax of the celebration takes place on Carnival Tuesday, feasting with large parades and colorful assorted costumes. The musicians of the bands are dressed as fishermen, while the drum major is dressed as a soldier. Stopping in front of the city hall, the ocean of people wish to receive their herrings, that’s when around the 400 kilos of herrings and sea bass are thrown from the balconies towards the participants.

 

The participants in front of the parade are the ones trying to contain the sea of people during the carnival of Dunkerque

The participants in front of the parade are the ones trying to contain the sea of people during the carnival of Dunkerque

 

When is the Dunkirk Carnival

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Officially the Dunkirk Carnival starts in January and runs through February each year. During this time, small parades, dances and music performances are held on weekends. However, the main event takes place in the three days leading up to Cinder Wednesday, whichwill take place from approximately February 11 to 17.

 

 

History of the Dunkirk Carnivals

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The origins of this peculiar carnival date back to the 17th century, when shipowners held grand banquets for the fishermen and their families before the men set off again to sea for six months off the coast of Island. Recall that, during that time, such work was high-risk, so many people lost their lives during the voyages. Thus, the banquets could mean farewell to their loved ones. The first record of these celebrations takes place in 1676 and today, this tradition is still present in the locality.

Nowadays, the main celebration or banquet is still part of the traditions, where arenques are thrown to the crowd from the balconies of the main square. In modern carnivals, there are several figures that are an active part of the carnivals, some of these are even of great importance to the local culture.



Chahuts: are people who stand on the borderline of crowds or parades and try to contain the sea of people.

Figuemens: people who dress in a yellow raincoat and fishing rod containing a dried fish. They stroll through the crowds wearing masks.

Umbrellas: during the parades you can observe the different participants with large and long umbrellas.

 

Where is the Dunkirk Carnival

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The carnivals are celebrated in thefishing town of Dunkerque, in northern France. The route touches several points of the city such as Place République, Boulevard Alexandre III, Rue Clemenceau, The City Hall, among other locations.

 

People at the Dunkirk carnivals dress uniformly and wildly

People at the Dunkirk carnivals dress uniformly and wildly

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How is the Dunkirk Carnival celebrated

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Dunkirk Carnival is not celebrated like most carnivals in Europe, as here there are no allegorical floats. The last three days of the carnival are the most fiery, with people parading through the streets dressed as strangely as possible. Men dress as women, women in dresses, some people wear masks and wigs, while others hold large umbrellas. In addition, there are also the bandas and the musicians who shake the crowd with the rhythms of drums and lead the way to the town hall square.

The days before this celebration, there are dances and live concerts in which people gather in different areas of the city to party until dawn. There are also small festivals for local children. In these festivals, children parade through the streets and dance wearing masks and costumes. The big moment of the carnivals cannot be missed, when the parade ends and people congregate in front of the city’s town hall. From there, they throw hundreds of herrings that fall on the participants.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:.

 

Tips for going to the Dunkirk Carnivals

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If you attend theDunkirk carnivals, be sure to plan your trip, along with your accommodation and itinerary as these carnivals are highly visited and is one of the most characteristic of the region. Besides this, dress up in the craziest way you can think of, wear wigs, paint, masks or use someridiculous costumes, as that is what the spirit of the festival is all about. Also, be prepared for a rather hectic and hectic parade, in which you’ll end up full of fish that they’ll throw from the town hall.

 

Events in Dunkirk Carnival

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Events take place in the streets from January, when everyweekend there are small parties that last until dawn. On Saturdays during this first month people congregate in the streets and plazas and small dances are held. On Sundays before the main celebration live concerts are held by the different bands. In addition to this, parades are held for the little ones of the city, where they themselves take control of the festivities and wear masks and dresses.

During the last three days of the celebration, parades take over the streets in an energetic manner.People dress wildly, some carrying large umbrellas. Musicians carry the rhythm of the parade while others on the parade’s border line try to contain the rowdy crowd. After the parade, people congregate in city hall square where the fish are thrown into the crowd.

 

At the carnival in Dunkirk people from the town hall throw fish to the crowd

At the carnival in Dunkirk people from the town hall throw fish to the crowd

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Dunkirk Carnival Parades

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The main parade takes place on the last days of the celebration, each of these days people gather to parade through the streets of the city, the various plazas and the city hall, wearing ridiculous clothes, singing and dancing. This is one of the most anticipated celebrations; however, there are also other smaller parades that take place before these three main days. In addition, there is also a small children’s parade.

 

 

Parade route

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The Dunkirk Caranvale Parade Takes in Main Street

 

The parade starts at the Place de la Republique, going through the different streets, avenues and places until arriving at the city hall.

 

Onion soup is shared between places during the Dunkirk carnivals

Onion soup is shared between places during the Dunkirk carnivals

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What to eat at the Dunkirk Carnival

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During the parades, several locals make small meals for the participants to eat onion soup. Tthis tradition is shared only with other residents. Unfortunately, very few visitors or tourists are not part of these meals, but you can still enjoy a wonderful soup in any of the establishments in the city. Also, during carnivals you can try a typical dish of the city called coq à la bière which consists of chicken cooked in beer.

In the city you can find places that offer a varied menu of local, Mediterranean, European-influenced or vegetarian food. Some of these options are: Le Soubise, La Marie-Jane and L’informel.

 

coq à la bière is a typical dish from Dunkerque that is eaten during carnivals

coq à la bière is a typical dish from Dunkerque that is eaten during carnivals

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Travel Insurance

 

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Dunkirk Carnival

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Within the carnival you can participate in the different events that take place in the squares and streets before the 3 days of glitter where the parades take over the city. During the first month you can take part in the street dances or enjoy the music that is played in the streets of the neighborhoods and plazas. You can also attend the differentminor parades that are organized in the city.

You can participate in the most awaited parade of the city, in which you can dress the way you want. Showever, the crazier and weirder your costume, the better. The event starts at the Place de la Republique and from there you access different streets and plazas. Just be prepared for a pretty hectic and energetic parade as this parade is all about taking everything to the extreme.

If you don’t want to complicate things, you can book interesting tours in Spanish in this city here:.

Guided tours in Spanish around the world

 

What to see and do outside of the Dunkirk Carnivals

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The city of Dunkirk boasts a varied list of attractions, some of these laden with stories the city has to tell.

Musee Dunkerque 1940 – Operation Dynamo

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It is a museum where you can find information about the war during the months of May and June 1950. The museum is filled with collections of weapons, uniforms, maps and photos.

 

Le Beffroi de Saint-Eloi

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It is one of the monuments of the city with the greatest historical importance. It was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by Unesco. It was built in 1440, time when it functioned as a watchtower.

 

Plage de Malo-les-Bains

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A beach located between the border of Dunkirk and Belgium. It is ideal for a family vacation. A wide range of activities are available in the area such as sports, recreational activities and evening entertainment.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

Book tickets in the city you are visiting

 

Safety at the Dunkirk Carnival

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Security in Dunkirk is similar to other European cities, which means they are generally quite safe. Just keep an eye on your surroundings so you don’t fall victim to pickpockets which abound in European cities.

In addition to this, try to keep your belongings in a safe place as, in crowded places, you could lose your valuables. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:

 

 

 

Weather at the Dunkirk Carnival

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During the festivities the city of Dunkirk has a somewhat chilly climate, as the temperature ranges between 3 and 8 degrees Celsius. It is a good idea to take warm clothes with you.

 

The carnivals in Dunkirk are known for keeping peculiar traditions

The carnivals in Dunkirk are known for keeping peculiar traditions

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How to get to the Dunkirk Carnivals

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to Dunkerque is the Lille-Lesquin Airport. From there you can take the different transports to reach the city of Dunkerque.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by train

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From Lille-Lesquin airport you can reach the city by taking the train from Avenue Paul Langevin. To get here you must take a bus from the airport. Once you take the train, you will arrive in Dunkerque.

 

How to get here by car

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From Lille, take the A25 freeway.

In Paris, you can get there from the A1 freeway.

From Belgium, take the A16 freeway.

 

Where to stay at the Dunkirk Carnival

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Booking.com

 

Aux waterzooi Hôtel Merveilleux côté port

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Hotel located 450 meters from the city center. It offers free internet access. All rooms have television and private bathroom.

 

B&B Hôtel Dunkerque Centre Gare

2-star hotel located 750 meters from the city center. The facilities have internet access. Rooms have air conditioning, television and private bathroom with shower.

 

Hôtel Welcome – Dunkerque Centre

3 star hotel located 250 meters from the city center. The rooms have free internet access. Rooms have private bathrooms with toiletries and hairdryer.

We recommend using Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:

 


Booking.com

 

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