The Eupen Carnival is a traditional Rhenish-style pre-Lent celebration (Karneval) featuring colorful parades and costumes. It culminates on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) when dozens of floats and hundreds of local carnival clubs (KGs) parade through Eupen, chanting the carnival greeting "Alaaf!" and throwing candy into the crowd 1 2. This centuries-old festival transforms the town into a nonstop party of music, dancing and satire, reflecting local folklore and community pride.
As part of the Rhineland carnival tradition (shared with Cologne and the surrounding regions), Eupen's celebration includes a Carnival Prince, novelty groups, and the exchange of power (the city key) to women on 'Altweiberfastnacht'. The carnival can be traced back at least to 1213, when local cloth merchants began making costumes from scrap fabric 1. Today, enthusiastically costumed residents and visitors gather in the sunshine to sing, dance, and enjoy the communal spirit, continuing an unbroken custom that defines Eupen's cultural calendar 2 3.
Venues and routes
Werthplatz · Eupen
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Mon, Feb 8
Parade begins at midday from Klötzerbahn to Werthplatz ([wochenspiegel.be](https://wochenspiegel.be/2025/02/26/zugweg-rosenmontagszug-eupen/#:~:text=Abgang%20%C3%BCber%20Kl%C3%B6tzerbahn%2C%20Gospertstra%C3%9Fe%2C%20Werthplatz%2C,Stra%C3%9Fe%2C%20Untere%20Rottergasse%2C%20Bellmerin%2C%20ZUGPAUSE))
Arrive early along the route to secure a viewing spot; prepare for crowds
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
Practical notes refreshed Mar 3.
High crowds · Energetic energy
High attendance on parade route; roads are fully packed near finish
General event security is good, with police patrols and first aid on site
Often cold in February · Event takes place in most weather conditions
Daily budget: €50-80 · Drinks: €3-5 (beer and soft drinks)
Bring your own snacks or drinks, share rides, attend free street events
From center: Event is in the city of Eupen itself. · City streets are mostly flat and accessible
Help document this festival
No strong field clip yet. One authentic video can become the winner.