Grand Parade (Zondagsstoet)
Arrive by 12:30 to secure a spot along the route; expect a loud, colorful procession with confetti and music. Viewing from Statieplein offers a parade start atmosphere.
~13:00 - 15:00
Aalst Carnival (Satirical Float Parade)
Aalst Carnaval
Aalst, Belgium
Feb 7 - 9, 2027ConfirmedSource
For three days before Lent, the Belgian town of Aalst gives itself over to a carnival of giant floats, costumed crews, and sharp, cheeky satire. Centuries old and famous for poking fun at the powerful, it is one of the town's proudest traditions and a real high point of its year.
Part of a wider thread
20th-c wartime & ideological memory
The carnival's use of Nazi and Holocaust imagery (2013 Zyklon B float, 2019 Orthodox-Jewish caricatures) directly engaged with 20th-century wartime and ideological memory, leading Jewish organizations and UNESCO to contest the carnival's representations throu...
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 7
Day 2 · Feb 8
Jeanettenstoet (Women’s Parade)
Join onlookers by 9:30 amidst festive music; participants often dance in the street. It’s jovial but still attracts large crowds.
~10:00 - 12:00
Boerenbruiloft (Farmers’ Wedding)
Grab a spot in the square or on stands by 11:45; enjoy a lively, theatrical spectacle with music and audience interaction.
~12:00 - 14:00
Where it happens
Grote Markt
Aalst, Belgium
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Spectators should remain behind barricades and not join performers or wagons; follow organi...
Read the local rhythm
Carnival is known for irreverent satire; visitors should avoid overtly offensive costumes o...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
The parade routes and Grote Markt get very crowded; peripheral areas are less dense.
Weather
Expect winter weather (cold temperatures, chance of rain/snow); come prepared with layers and rain gear.
Transport
Multiple De Lijn bus lines (e.g. 31, 714) serve Aalst with extra runs during carnival, plus free shuttle buses from P+R.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
The festival is well-organized with police present. Daytime events are very safe; usual city caution applies at night.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Aalst Carnival (Satirical Float Parade)
Aalst Carnaval
Aalst, Belgium
For three days before Lent, the Belgian town of Aalst gives itself over to a carnival of giant floats, costumed crews, and sharp, cheeky satire. Centuries old and famous for poking fun at the powerful, it is one of the town's proudest traditions and a real high point of its year.
Access stepAccess needs a step
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 7 - 9, 2027Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
The carnival's roots lie in medieval Catholic pre-Lenten festivities. Written sources from the 15th century attest to celebrations in Aalst, and while carnival declined across most of Flanders in the late 19th century, Aalst kept the tradition alive. Cavalcades were held from 1851, and from 1923 the city council formally organized the parade. Key traditions include the Prince Carnival (elected since 1953 to symbolically gover...
Part of a wider thread
20th-c wartime & ideological memory
The carnival's use of Nazi and Holocaust imagery (2013 Zyklon B float, 2019 Orthodox-Jewish caricatures) directly engaged with 20th-century wartime and ideological memory, leading Jewish organizations and UNESCO to contest the carnival's representations throu...
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 7
Day 1Feb 7~13:00 - 15:00Expected
Grand Parade (Zondagsstoet)
Arrive by 12:30 to secure a spot along the route; expect a loud, colorful procession with confetti and music. Viewing from Statieplein offers a parade start atmosphere.
Day 2Feb 82 moments
Day 2Feb 8~10:00 - 12:00Expected
Jeanettenstoet (Women’s Parade)
Join onlookers by 9:30 amidst festive music; participants often dance in the street. It’s jovial but still attracts large crowds.
Day 2Feb 8~12:00 - 14:00Expected
Boerenbruiloft (Farmers’ Wedding)
Grab a spot in the square or on stands by 11:45; enjoy a lively, theatrical spectacle with music and audience interaction.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Spectators should remain behind barricades and not join performers or wagons; follow organizers’ instructions.
Read the local rhythm
Carnival is known for irreverent satire; visitors should avoid overtly offensive costumes or symbols (e.g. no r...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 7 - 9, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Aalst
East Flanders
Access
Brussels Airport (BRU) · 32 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €70-100, Mid: €120-180, Comfort: €200+
Atmosphere
Crowds are lively and festive, with music, dancing and cheering thr...
The parade routes and Grote Markt get very crowded; perip...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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