Nothing beats shaking off winter with music, colour, and lively celebrations! The Strasbourg Carnival is a must-attend event in the European capital. Every spring, the city’s streets burst into life, offering locals and visitors a vibrant and convivial experience as they welcome the return of warmer days. In 2025, the Strasbourg Carnival will take place on Sunday, 23 March, from 3:00 pm, with the theme 'Animal Tales'!
The programme for the Strasbourg Carnival 2025
For the 2025 edition, expect a touch of magic with the theme 'Animal Tales'! From mythical and whimsical creatures to rolling or flying installations, this year’s parade promises a creative, lively, and imaginative spectacle, all set to the rhythm of captivating music.
The full programme for the 2025 edition has yet to be revealed, but here’s what we already know:
- Sunday, 23 March at 3:00 pm: The grand parade departs from Route de Vienne. As always, the vibrant cavalcade will make its way through the city centre, featuring decorated floats, festive troupes, and musicians.
- New for 2025: A Carnival Village will be set up in Place Gutenberg throughout the weekend, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Expect face painting, creative workshops, musical performances, and plenty of surprises for all ages!
Carnival traffic and parking
On 23 March, get ready for changes to traffic and parking. From 9am to 6pm, the route de Vienne will be closed between avenue du Rhin and quai du Général Koenig. From midday, access will be restricted along the parade route for your safety.
I recommend that you come by tram (get off at Étoile Bourse for the start of the parade) or by bike. If you're coming by car, good luck. The Rivétoile car park is closed on Sundays. So where can you park? You can try the Neudorf or Quai des Alpes car parks. Alternatively, there's the Austerlitz car park (for a fee) at the Krutenau.
The origins of the Strasbourg carnival
The Strasbourg carnival is steeped in Alsatian history. Originally, this festival marked the last moment of festivity before the seriousness of Lent, allowing the inhabitants to indulge in ephemeral pleasures.
Over the centuries, it has evolved, incorporating elements of folklore and social criticism. In keeping with the tradition of Rhineland carnivals, Strasbourg's carnival is a free-for-all. It's a time for role reversal, debates on religion and politics, and a humorous assessment of the major scandals that have shaken the city. So traditionally, it's a spectacle of joy and satire, where the streets come alive with colour and music.
After the 1870 war, Strasbourg's carnival was revived by the German occupiers, using German and Swiss traditions. However, this version was quickly disowned by the Alsatians, who preferred to promote their own culture and make fun of the occupiers. The festival was finally abolished in 1902 and lost in the back and forth between France and Germany.
The Grand Cavalcade: the grand parade of Strasbourg Carnival
The grand cavalcade is undoubtedly the highlight of the Strasbourg carnival. It traditionally starts at 2.11pm from the Place de l'Étoile and finishes at around 4pm in the Place Kléber, after wandering through the streets of the Krutenau and the city centre.
Every year, the parade attracts thousands of people who come to admire the elaborately decorated floats, listen to the lively brass bands and let themselves be carried away by the popular jubilation. Some people (young and old) also have fun dressing up to join in the fun and make the spectacle even bigger.
