We’ve been eagerly awaiting the official date and all the details of the 36th edition of the Marseille Carnival—here they are! Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Old Port for a spectacular show centered on the original and larger-than-life theme: Kingdom of Extravaganza. So this year, we’re thinking big and letting ourselves be swept away by an extravagant celebration!
Set a course for extravagance
This year, fantasy, creativity, and imagination take center stage. Discover the Kingdom of Extravaganza and join the grand festivities of the 36th edition of the Marseille Carnival. The highlight of the event, the grand parade promises to be one of the most extravagant yet! Unusual characters and costumes as breathtaking as they are surprising come to life in a colorful procession. A fantastical and offbeat world where carnival-goers, artists, and marching bands dazzle us all.
A dazzling program
The festive atmosphere will kick off at 1:30 PM on Place Bargemon, with a free face-painting booth. At 2:30 PM, the parade will set off from the Théâtre de la Criée, with a procession winding its way through Quai de la Fraternité and Quai du Port before reaching City Hall for an explosive finale!
- 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Free face-painting booth – Place Bargemon
- 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: An extravagant musical feast to welcome the public – City Hall
- 2:30 PM: Parade starts – Théâtre de la Criée – Quai de Rive-Neuve
- 3:00 PM: Parade passes by – Quai de la Fraternité
- 3:45 PM: Parade passes by – Quai du Port
- 4:30 PM: Finale – City Hall
The grand finale, located at the foot of City Hall, 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 wild songs.
A collective and artistic adventure
The Marseille Carnival is not just an entertainment event, but a true collective adventure! By involving the city’s residents in the creation of costumes and sets, this event offers Marseillais the chance to celebrate together the diversity and richness of their city. Since its inception in 1989, the Marseille Carnival has offered a new artistic dimension and a unique moment of togetherness every year.
So let yourself be swept away by the eccentric world of the Kingdom of Extravaganza and enjoy an unforgettable day with family or friends on the shores of the iconic Old Port!
Practical information:
📍 The parade starts at the Théâtre de la Criée.
📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026, starting at 1:30 p.m.
🎫 Free admission.
🎟️ Access for people with reduced mobility: PRM area starting at 1:00 PM in front of the City Hall stage | PRM access to the face-painting workshops from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
🚗 Traffic and parking restrictions on April 25: Quai de Rive-Neuve from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Quai des Belges from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Quai du Port from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Rue de la République from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
🛑 Parking will be limited in the downtown area starting Friday, April 24.
