Dunkirk Carnival, carnival in Dunkerque, France
The Carnaval de Dunkerque is a large celebration that takes place each year around Mardi Gras and includes processions, dance parties, and street festivities. People dress in colorful costumes, musicians play fifes and drums while groups march through the city, and evening dances in large halls continue late into the night.
The origins trace back to the early 1600s, when ship captains would celebrate with their crews before departing on long fishing journeys, often to icy waters. These gatherings gradually transformed over centuries into the vibrant parades, costumes, and dances that define the modern carnival.
The carnival is deeply rooted in the city's maritime heritage and remains shaped by local groups that maintain their own costumes, banners, and traditions. Streets fill with people expressing creativity through disguises and singing traditional seafaring songs that have been passed down through generations.
The celebrations last about three months, with the main week around Mardi Gras when most events occur and the whole city is active. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for large crowds, loud music, and long stretches of walking through the streets.
A special tradition involves the mayor and local officials throwing smoked herring from a balcony into the crowd, with people rushing to catch the fish and occasionally plastic toys like lobsters or cheese. This celebrates the city's fishing heritage and adds an element of surprise and playful chaos to the festivities.
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