Cwarmê Malmedy

Cwarmê de Malmedy

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Carnival & ParadeMalmedy
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesThe hape-tchar, a pair of articulated wooden
LanguageFrench, Dutch, and local languagesCurrency: EUR
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Cwarmê Malmedy in Malmedy

Cwarme Malmedy is built around the Haguete, an elaborately costumed masked figure who grabs bystanders' arms or legs with wooden tongs called a hape-tchar until they recite an apology in Walloon. The four-day carnival, documented since 1459, closes on Fat Tuesday with the ceremonial burning of a Haguete effigy.

The Haguete of Malmedy carries a pair of wooden articulated tongs called a hape-tchar specifically to grab bystanders by the arm or leg and hold on until they recite a set apology in Walloon, promising on a broomstick never to repeat whatever offense triggered the grab.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The hape-tchar, a pair of articulated wooden tongs wielded by the Haguete to grab onlookers until they beg pardon in Walloon dialect, is the single most specific ritual detail in the Cwarme and is unique to Malmedy among Belgian carnivals

02

The mystery stays covered

The Haguete's costume, velvet trimmed with satin, gold edging and tall multicolored ostrich feathers, is one of around fifteen traditional masked characters that appear during the carnival, alongside the Trouv'le and Pierrots

03

The city starts moving

The event closes on Fat Tuesday with the ceremonial burning of a Haguete effigy, a specific ending ritual not shared with neighboring carnivals

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Haguete

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the carnival's emblematic masked character

The sacred route

Living ritual

wields wooden articulated tongs called a hape-tchar to grab bystanders until they recite a set apology in Walloon dialect

The local code

Living ritual

Around fifteen traditional masked characters appear during the four-day Cwarme

Tradition 5

Living ritual

including the Trouv'le and Pierrots

Tradition 6

Living ritual

The carnival closes on Fat Tuesday with the ceremonial burning of a Haguete effigy

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Malmedy you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Wear clothes and shoes suited to standing in a crowded small-town center, since good views of the Sunday procession require claiming a spot early. Expect to be grabbed or teased by masked...

Safety

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

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Cwarmê Malmedy does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

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

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map50.43 N, 6.03 EOpen in Google Maps

Malmedy, Liege Province, Belgium

Nearest airportMST — Maastricht Aachen
TransportStay close enough to the part of Malmedy you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Cwarmê Malmedy does not become the hardest part.

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 Malmedy via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Malmedy, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearWear clothes and shoes suited to standing in a crowded small-town center, since good views of the Sunday procession require claiming a spot early. Expect to be grabbed or teased by masked characters at close range, so leave anything precious or easily damaged at the hotel.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Belgium and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Cwarmê Malmedy?

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

Where does Cwarmê Malmedy take place?

The festival is listed in Malmedy, 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?

Malmedy, Liege Province, 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 URLmalmedy-tourisme.be
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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