Marseillais, get ready for a grandiose spectacle at the 35th Carnaval de Marseille! It takes place on Saturday, April 26 , 2025 on the Vieux-Port, and believe us, you won’t want to miss it! This year’s theme is a true call to escape, a journey through the blue immensity of our planet! From the depths of the oceans to the vast expanse of the sky, blue will be the common thread running through this festive odyssey, marked by a maritime parade and a grand finale on the azure! Let yourself be transported to a world where sea, land and sky intertwine, while celebratingMarseille‘s culture and creativity!
A marine and celestial odyssey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsJRsF2QoD4
This year, Marseille is turning blue! And not a moment too soon after the month of March! In case you’re wondering, the highlight of this not-to-be-missed festival will be a spectacular procession in which Marseillais will be invited to explore the mysteries of our blue planet through the eyes of mythical characters: the whale, the polar bear and the elephant.
These totem animals, symbolizing the sea, ice and land respectively, will be accompanied by Massaliote adventurers, the true heirs of Pytheas, the famous Greek explorer. They will appear aboard incredible creations: a nef sailing the oceans, a mechanical sled gliding over the ice, and a clanking jalopy rolling across the savannah. The arrival of the Arion horse, a mythological creature born of Poseidon’s waters, will mark the start of the parade, paving the way for a unique collective adventure.
A breathtaking parade
No fewer than 400 carnival-goers, 85 musicians and 90 street performers will take part in this grand celebration, alongside 100 volunteer dancers from local dance schools.
Among them, children from the town’s social centers have been particularly involved, helping to create the costumes and accessories that will dress up this exceptional parade. These creations, created in workshops led by visual artists, represent the spirit of a city where social ties and culture come together to create a dazzling spectacle.
An orchestra will perform in front of the Hôtel de Ville, awaiting the arrival of the procession. Not far from the Samaritaine, Cirque Pouce will amaze the public with acrobats dressed in bluebird costumes. Last but not least, children and adult percussionists will give a rhythmic performance on the Quai du Port.
The day’s program
Get ready for a packed program! On Saturday, April 26, the festive atmosphere begins at 1:30 p.m. on Place Bargemon, with a free face-painting booth. At 2:30pm, the parade will take off from the Théâtre de la Criée, with a procession that will cross the Quai de la Fraternité, the Quai du Port, before reaching the Hôtel de Ville for an explosive finale!
- 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Free face painting – Place Bargemon
- 2.30pm: Parade departs – Théâtre de la Criée
- 2.45pm – 4pm: Festive symphony – Hôtel de Ville
- 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm: Parade passes by – Quai de la Fraternité
- 3.45pm – 4.30pm: Parade passes through – Quai du Port
- 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Finale – Hôtel de Ville
The grand finale, at the foot of the Hôtel de Ville, promises to be an explosion of joy and color. The public and carnival-goers will come together to sing and dance to a selection of “blue” songs, creating a festive and convivial atmosphere to close this memorable day. At the same time, spectacular performances, including the famous aerial circus act, will add a magical touch to this grand celebration!
A collective and artistic adventure
The Carnaval de Marseille is not just a fun event, it’s also a true collective adventure! By involving the city’s residents in the creation of costumes and decorations, this event is an opportunity for Marseillais to get together, exchange ideas and celebrate the diversity and richness of their city. Since its creation in 1989, the Carnaval de Marseille has always evolved, each year offering a new artistic dimension and a unique moment of sharing.
So let yourself be carried away by the magical world of the blue planet, and enjoy an unforgettable day out with family and friends, on the shores of the famous Vieux-Port!
📍Parade departs from Théâtre de la Criée, Marseille
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏱️de 2pm to 5pm