Keys Handover & Night Parade
Arrive early Saturday evening to secure a spot at the Clock Tower; a dramatic and festive opening for the carnival.
~18:46
Sélestat Machores Carnival
Carnaval des Machores de Sélestat
Sélestat, France
Feb 13 - 14, 2027Expected
Each year before Lent, the Alsatian town of Sélestat throws a carnival famous for its Machores, men dressed up as comical old maidens. Rooted in a medieval legend of a young butcher who saved the town by ringing the alarm bells, the celebration has been a cherished local rite for centuries.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 13
Carnival Ball at Tanzmatten
Buy tickets after arrival; the event is lively with music and is the place to dance. Entry €11 (16+).
~20:30 - 23:00
Day 2 · Feb 14
Grande Cavalcade (Day Parade)
Find a viewing spot along the route early Sunday afternoon; enjoy spirited music and dance as the parade passes by.
~14:32 - 16:00
Where it happens
Tour de l'Horloge
Sélestat, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Visitors may freely observe and join parades in costume; standard decency is expected at al...
Read the local rhythm
Enjoy the festivities respectfully; costume and masks are customary. Observe parades quietl...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Tightly packed during parade passages; more space at food stalls.
Weather
Winter weather: be prepared for cold or rain; festival proceeds rain or shine.
Transport
Local buses serve the city center (e.g. via Sélestat station).
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Family-friendly, city police patrol the area; watch personal belongings in crowds.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Sélestat Machores Carnival
Carnaval des Machores de Sélestat
Sélestat, France
Each year before Lent, the Alsatian town of Sélestat throws a carnival famous for its Machores, men dressed up as comical old maidens. Rooted in a medieval legend of a young butcher who saved the town by ringing the alarm bells, the celebration has been a cherished local rite for centuries.
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 13 - 14, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Rooted in a unique local legend (a young butcher saved the town by ringing church bells), the Sélestat carnival has survived as a cherished local rite. The Machores association (founded 1970) revived the tradition in the 1980s, emphasizing cross-dressing satire and community celebration. Each year, the Machores parade through town to the tune of Guggenmusik, embodying Sélestat’s carnival heritage.
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 132 moments
Day 1Feb 13~18:46Expected
Keys Handover & Night Parade
Arrive early Saturday evening to secure a spot at the Clock Tower; a dramatic and festive opening for the carnival.
Day 1Feb 13~20:30 - 23:00Expected
Carnival Ball at Tanzmatten
Buy tickets after arrival; the event is lively with music and is the place to dance. Entry €11 (16+).
Day 2Feb 14
Day 2Feb 14~14:32 - 16:00Expected
Grande Cavalcade (Day Parade)
Find a viewing spot along the route early Sunday afternoon; enjoy spirited music and dance as the parade passes by.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Visitors may freely observe and join parades in costume; standard decency is expected at all times.
Read the local rhythm
Enjoy the festivities respectfully; costume and masks are customary. Observe parades quietly during ceremonies.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 13 - 14, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Sélestat
Alsace (Bas-Rhin)
Access
Strasbourg (SXB) · 70 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-70; Mid: €100-150; High: €200+
Atmosphere
Festive and energetic, especially during parades and live music per...
Tightly packed during parade passages; more space at food...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to