The Dunkerque carnival season has begun! Until March 6, the 2010 edition of the Dunkerque Carnival offers a whole lot of outstanding events. With a wild atmosphere, sometimes excessive, a genuine scenery and unique « masquelours », i.e. those who take part in the carnival floats, do not be afraid neither of the general hustle and bustle, nor of singing, laughing and having fun.
Famous accross France and in other countries, the sound of the 2010 Dunkerque Carnival’s bands and balls has already rung out throughout the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. For two and a half months, carnival people get together. Age, work and social class do not matter in what is called the « bande », i.e. the carnival float. The carnival is a big family and people cannot possibly miss such an event. Nevertheless, it is important to know what you are letting yourself in for:respect for tradition, knowing the songs and the “rules” are crucial to gradually find your costume and take part in the parade.
Balls and Carnival Floats : a colourful programme !
Saturday 6th February:
- Nuit de l’Escadre : organised by Les Corsaires, people like it for its « wild » atmosphere and its unique decor.
- Bande de Mardyck : « back from the beach » gathering, leaving at 4.15 pm.
Saturday 13th February:
- Nuit de l’Oncle Cô : organised by Les P’tit Louis, this is is the official « Trois Joyeuses » opening ball since it takes place the night before the Bande de Dunkerque starts.
- Bande de la Basse Ville : meeting at Paris street corner and Verrerie street, leaving at 3 pm.
Sunday 14th February:
- Nuit des Acharnés : organised by Les Acharnés
- The Dunkerque Fishermen Bande: meeting Place Vauban, leaving at 3 pm. Being the most impressive float of the Dunkerque carnival, this is a key moment of the « Trois Joyeuses » time.
Monday 15th February:
- Bande de la Citadelle : meeting Quai de Risban, leaving at 4 pm.
Tuesday 16th February:
- Bande de Rosendaël : meeting Place de l’Abbé Bonpain, leaving at 3 pm. More confidential, it is affected with the fact that it is traditionnaly organised on Shrove Tuesday and that many people work on that day ! In spite of this, every year thousands of people attend the event, especially after 6 pm.
Wednesday 17th February:
- Bal enfantin des Chevaliers : organised by Les Chevaliers du XXème siècle (i.e. The 20th century Knights), since its firts edition in 1984 it has been highly successful.
Saturday 20th February:
- Bal des Gigolos et Gigolettes : organised by La Jeune France. Since 1921, this ball has been organised by the male choir society, which has about 60 members.
- Bande de Petite-Synthe : meeting Place Louis XIV, leaving at 3 pm.
Sunday 21st February:
- Bal de la Violette : organised by the local firemen.
- Bande de Malo-les-Bains : meeting Place Ferdinand Schipman, leaving at 3 pm. Being close to the beach is the reason why people like this float.
Saturday 27th February:
- Bal du Sporting : organised by Le Sporting, founded in 1864, this is certainly the carnival’s oldest ball.
Saturday 6th March:
- Spring Ball : organised by Les Snustreraer, this is the closing ball of the carnival.
More information:
2010 Dunkerque Carnaval – http://www.ville-dunkerque.fr/fr/je-vis-adunkerque/carnaval-dunkerque/index.html
2010 Dunkerque Carnival Bals Dunkerque Floats Nord-Pas-de-Calais
