March is just around the corner, and after Chandeleur and Mardi Gras, the streets of many Provencal towns will be alive with Carnival.
Here’s an overview of the festivities you won’t want to miss
The origins of Carnival
Originally a religious festival, Carnival was held at the same time as Mardi Gras, as a last chance to celebrate before the Lenten season and enjoy an abundance of food. Today, however, traditions have changed. Beignets, bugnes and oreillettes are still eaten on Mardi Gras, but Carnival has become a unique opportunity to party and dress up.
A festival adored by children, who see it as an opportunity to embody their favourite heroes, Carnival is also a chance for adults to slip back into childhood for a day.
It’s a convivial, festive celebration, to be shared without moderation, with just one watchword: ridiculousness doesn’t kill… So, …, impress us! Pirates, mermaids, firemen, the Snow Queen, superheroes and more, … don your fancy dress and join us at one of the many Carnivals of Provence!
Carnival for every town
- Berre l’Etang welcomes you to the banks of the Etang de Berre for its Carnival of Lights.
- La Ciotat is organising its Carnival at the Port Vieux
- Pélissanne is organising a Corso Fleuri parade through the streets of the town
- Saint Martin de Crau is organising a Carnival parade through the town’s arenas
- Chateauneuf les Martigues is organising a night-time float parade
- Arles is organising its Carnival
- Marseille is organising its Carnival in the famous Parc Borrely
- Chateaurenard don’t forget your fancy dress, hot chocolate and confetti will be provided for everyone in fancy dress.
Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence invites you to stay in one of its holiday rentals and take part in one of the Carnivals of Provence.
If you would like to discover all that Provence has to offer, please contact our agency Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence or request a tailor-made quote by clicking on this link.
