Night of the Carnival Princes and 35th Carnival Parade

Night of the Carnival Princes! It was in 1981 that Prince Christian, first Carnival Prince, was crowned. Discover the tradition in Arlon, March 2014.

In 1994, 2 Princesses joined the Carnival Prince to aid him with his duties of representing the city of Arlon in Arlon and in neighbouring carnival cities. A young Princely couple then completes the Arlon court.

In 1995, a committee of former carnival monarchs was created. This Arlon-Carnival Committee has, over the years, formed many links with numerous carnival groups and societies from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Slovenia and Bulgaria.

The groups have come over to Belgium to participate in the carnival parade, which brings together some 55 groupes, floats and music! Every year the carnival festivities evolve more and more.

The Night of the Princes sees the future Prince and Princess officially presented to the public. Great balls take place under marquees, such as the Swiss music concert on the Saturday before carnival.

The carnival parade in Arlon is one of the most beautiful in Belgium and the number of people who come to witness it rises every year.

As an organiser, Arlon-Carnival is a member of the 'European Federation of Carnival Cities - FECC' and the city of Arlon itself has had the status of 'carnival city' since 2009.

The carnival itself takes place on the 2nd March 2013!

From 6am, the Gilles and Peasant women are given their humps (Gilles) and dressed up (the Peasant women). These three Gilles and Peasant women groups converge on the roman column in the middle of Arlon's pedestrian zone, accompanied by the sound of drums.

Once they have arrived at the column and wished each other a happy carnival, the Gilles and Peasant women make their way to the place Léopold to drink the traditional glass of champagne with a few oysters.

They are received at the place Léopold by the local municipal authorities and this signals the beginning of carnival festivities throughout the city only interrupted by the presentation of the masks to the Gilles and the thrilling tune.

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