The Paris Carnival; it’s time to party!
Published on 5 February 2020, dans Events
On Sunday February 23rd, just before Mardi Gras, the twentieth arrondissement of the capital welcomes you for a festive and colourful event; the Paris Carnival! To join in the fun or simply to admire the amazing puppets, masks and costumes on show, head to the Place Gambetta, half an hour by Metro from the Grand Hôtel Saint-Michel.
The aerial world in the spotlight at the Paris Carnival
‘A fabulous aerial world’ is the theme of the Paris Carnival for 2020. Young and old alike can express it as they please by letting their imaginations run wild. From gossamer-light fairies and superb birds of paradise to jet planes or gracefully daring tightrope walkers, anything goes! Accompanied by musicians, the parade involves hundreds of colourfully costumed participants, numerous floats and astonishingly ingenious puppets in one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular street festivals. The common desire is to celebrate goodwill and joy together while continuing a tradition dating from the Middle Ages. Born in the 11th century, the Paris Carnival fell into decline and was abandoned in the mid-20th century but made a glorious comeback in the 90s and has remained hugely popular ever since.
Useful information
The start of the Paris Carnival parade will take place at 14:00 on the Place Gambetta in the capital’s 20th arrondissement. Free to all comers, this independent event does not require any prior registration. You can catch the parade anywhere along its route. From the Place Gambetta, it heads in the direction of Ménilmontant to reach the Place Auguste Métivier. After passing through the Boulevard de Belleville, it joins the Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple to arrive at around 17:00 in the Place de la République. The party will then continue until 20:00, so come along and have some fun!
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More information:
Grand Hotel Saint Michel, a refined hotel at the heart of Quartier Latin