This post was written by Anaïs Niobey
Come have a look at our newest shop windows about the Granville Carnival.
Granville Carnival in Normandy is one of the oldest in France and has been on the UNESCO list of Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2016.
Happening from February 21st to 25th, 2020, it will be its 146th edition.
Thank you to the Carnaval de Granville and Kylian Doublet for their help in creating this display. Kylian is a young carnivalist who has lent us some of his unique creations of small-scale floats.
History has it that it was the seafarers of the big fishery – the cod fishery – who were behind the Granville Carnival. The departure of the Granvillais sailors for the Newfoundland benches (Greenland) took place every year around Mardi Gras. The crossing was long and rough. The men wanted to have fun before going to sea and braving the storms.
Since then, the Granvillais have perpetuated this popular tradition, each year the weekend before Mardi Gras.
WHAT IS IT?
The keys to the city are given to the Carnival King by the mayor of Granville for:
- 5 days of festivities,
- 45 satirical floats,
- 3 000 dressed up carnivalists parading in music,
- 150 000 visitors,
- Concerts,
- Brass bands,
- Fun fair,
- Pancakes, waffles, sausages…,
- A large illuminated parade,
- Confetti battle,
- An evening of intrigue in the streets, bars and restaurants
At the end of these 5 days, the King is judged and executed,
The mayor takes over the keys to the city,
Life takes back its course…
Until the following year!
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