Aalst Carnival

Carnaval Aalst

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Carnival & ParadeAalst

DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking

Duration3 daysListed event span

Crowd-Public scale varies

Best forMasks, paradesWhat distinguishes Aalst from other Belgian

LanguageFrench, Dutch, and local languagesCurrency: EUR

CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type

The story

Aalst Carnival in Aalst

Aalst Carnival is known for enormous satirical papier-mache floats mocking politicians and celebrities, and for the Voil Jeanetten tradition of men parading in exaggerated drag. In 2019 it became the only tradition ever removed from UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, after a float using antisemitic imagery drew international criticism.

Aalst Carnival is the only tradition ever removed from UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a delisting the city's own mayor requested in December 2019 after a carnival group's float depicting antisemitic caricatures drew international condemnation.

Your trip starts here

What is special

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

What distinguishes Aalst from other Belgian carnivals is the deliberately unfiltered satire built into its parade floats, which take aim at real politicians and public figures with a bluntness that has occasionally crossed into open controversy, including the 2019 float that led UNESCO to withdraw the carnival's heritage listing entirely

The mystery stays covered

The parallel Voil Jeanetten tradition, men dressed in exaggerated drag with props like prams and preserved herrings, adds a second, distinct layer of local absurdist humor

The city starts moving

Confetti use is heavy enough that the city carries an informal reputation as a confetti capital

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The parade centers on large satirical papier-mache floats built by local carnival groups to mock politicians and public figures

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the Voil Jeanetten tradition

The sacred route

Living ritual

in which men parade in exaggerated drag with props such as prams

The local code

Living ritual

lampshades and preserved herrings

Tradition 5

Living ritual

heavy use of confetti throughout the town center

Tradition 6

Living ritual

In December 2019 Aalst Carnival became the only tradition UNESCO has ever removed from its Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Tradition 7

Living ritual

after international criticism of a float depicting antisemitic caricatures

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Expect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What to wear

Wear old or disposable outer layers, since confetti gets into everything and settles into hair, pockets and shoe seams by the end of the day. Closed, comfortable shoes matter for standing on...

Safety

Aalst Carnival is easier when valuables are secure and the group knows where to meet if separated.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Aalst you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map50.94 N, 4.04 E Open in Google Maps

Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium

Nearest airportBRU — Brussels

TransportExpect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Aalst you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Aalst via local transport.Search routes Find a place to stayStays near Aalst, close enough for the event-day route.Browse stays Find flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare fares Festival gearWear old or disposable outer layers, since confetti gets into everything and settles into hair, pockets and shoe seams by the end of the day. Closed, comfortable shoes matter for standing on confetti-covered cobblestones for hours.Shop the kit Check visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Belgium and apply online.Check entry rules Travel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Aalst Carnival?

Aalst Carnival is listed for Past edition: 15–17 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Aalst Carnival take place?

The festival is listed in Aalst, Belgium. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLaalst.be

Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →

SourceSource link available

Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February

Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →

Aalst Carnival

Aalst Carnival in Aalst

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The mystery stays covered

The city starts moving

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Water and renewal

The sacred route

The local code

Tradition 5

Tradition 6

Tradition 7

Essential information

When to go

Getting around

What to wear

Safety

Where to stay

Tickets/cost

Language/currency

Family friendly

Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium

Your Trip Starts Here

Quick answers.

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

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