Opening Ceremony (Transfer of Authority)
Arrive early to see the ceremonial handover; families gather for the playful spectacle.
~9:00
Malmedy Cwarmé (Haguète & Longs-Nés)
Carnaval de Malmedy (Cwarmé)
Malmedy, Belgium
Feb 6 - 9, 2027Expected
Each year before Lent, the Walloon town of Malmedy erupts into the Cwarmé, a centuries-old carnival of costumed characters and dances. The long-nosed Longs-Nés roam the crowd and the hook-wielding Haguète playfully snares onlookers, in four days of color that are the pride of the town's heritage.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 6
Day 2 · Feb 7
Grand Parade of Masks
Secure a spot along the route by 13:30; expect music, confetti, and interact with friendly masked figures.
~14:00 - 16:00
Day 3 · Feb 8
Monday Satirical Shows
Shows are in Walloon dialect and French; join for laughs and local color, but they are packed with cultural references.
~11:00 - 13:00
Where it happens
Place du Châtelet
Malmedy, Belgium
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Visitors may watch freely; some rituals (like the Haguète approach) require respectful beha...
Read the local rhythm
Spectators are welcome to watch parades and dances. Note that the "Haguète" tradition invol...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Very crowded in the main square and parade routes; open areas are more spacious.
Weather
Can be cold and wet in February; event runs in light rain or snow, but will cancel only under severe conditions.
Transport
TEC bus lines connect Malmedy with Liège and Eupen; local buses also serve Verviers and Spa
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Well-managed public event; normal city policing in place and festival security roaming.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Malmedy Cwarmé (Haguète & Longs-Nés)
Carnaval de Malmedy (Cwarmé)
Malmedy, Belgium
Each year before Lent, the Walloon town of Malmedy erupts into the Cwarmé, a centuries-old carnival of costumed characters and dances. The long-nosed Longs-Nés roam the crowd and the hook-wielding Haguète playfully snares onlookers, in four days of color that are the pride of the town's heritage.
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 6 - 9, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Malmedy’s carnival is an emblem of Walloon cultural heritage, reflecting medieval carnival traditions. The event is deeply rooted in the town’s identity: a town crier (Lu Trouv’lê) ceremonially hands over authority to the Carnival (La ‘Grosse Police’) and iconic figures like the Haguète interact with spectators in Walloon’s local dialect. This folkloric festival strengthens community bonds and celebrates Malmedy’s unique hist...
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 6~9:00Expected
Opening Ceremony (Transfer of Authority)
Arrive early to see the ceremonial handover; families gather for the playful spectacle.
Day 2Feb 7~14:00 - 16:00Expected
Grand Parade of Masks
Secure a spot along the route by 13:30; expect music, confetti, and interact with friendly masked figures.
Day 3Feb 8~11:00 - 13:00Expected
Monday Satirical Shows
Shows are in Walloon dialect and French; join for laughs and local color, but they are packed with cultural references.
Day 7Feb 12~19:00Expected
Burning the Haguète (Closing Ritual)
This is spectacular but chilly; arrive early to secure a spot and stay aware of safety barriers.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Visitors may watch freely; some rituals (like the Haguète approach) require respectful behavior.
Read the local rhythm
Spectators are welcome to watch parades and dances. Note that the "Haguète" tradition involves grabbing ankles...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 6 - 9, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Malmedy
Wallonia (Liège)
Access
Liège Airport (LGG) · 50 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €60-90; Mid: €120-150
Atmosphere
Lively and boisterous as the festivities progress; crowds dance and...
Very crowded in the main square and parade routes; open a...
Good for
Families, solo travelers
Very High visitor welcome
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