The carnival of Nivelles

Since the dawn of time, people have surrounded themselves with traditions believed to promise fertility, fecundity and happiness for them and their families on the one hand, and to protect them from evil spirits on the other hand. And Nivelles obviously is not an exception to the rule...
The carnival, a melting pot of the beliefs of all peoples, celebrates the arrival of spring with generous helpings of dance, good humour and colours every year, to the great delight of the residents, always ready to throw a party. This jubilation comes naturally in Nivelles, the principal carnival city of the Brabant region, where young and old, accompanied by the oldest giant human processional figures of the former Netherlands, savour the joys of the carnival of Nivelles for four days.
Let yourself go to the rhythm and fervour of the 'Gilles' (jesters) during carnival day and you will remember this day among the principal, essential festivities of the city of Nivelles.

Want to participate in these four days of carnival jubilation?

Reserve the weekend after Mardi Gras in your schedule and experience in person:
On Saturday: children's carnival. A procession in the afternoon followed by a children's show, closed by the election of the best costume.
On Sunday: carnival procession. Afternoon: departure of folklore groups and giant processional figures, accompanied by the menagerie, from the train station, followed by the procession of the companies of jesters. Throwing of confetti and oranges. At the beginning of the evening, a gathering of all the groups and a rondeau on the Grand'Place of Nivelles.
On Monday: carnival of the schools and Aclot carnival. In the afternoon, carnival of the schools, place E. Delalieux: great rondeau and distribution of oranges. In the evening, the Aclot carnival: departure of the procession from Place E. Delalieux. Rondeau on the Grand'Place and burning of straw figures.
On Tuesday afternoon: raclot (finale) with the various Nivelle companies.