Limoux Carnival: The World’s Longest Celebration Returns

The longest carnival in the world is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever! With over 400 years of history, the Limoux Carnival (Carnaval de Limoux) will once again fill the streets of this charming town in the Aude with music, masks, and mischief.

A Carnival Steeped in History

The Limoux Carnival isn’t just a festival; it’s a living tradition dating back to the 14th century. Its origins are a captivating mix of millers’ celebrations, guild rivalries, and pagan rites, which were later adapted by the Church.

In the 16th century, Limoux was a busy hub for mills, where grain from across the region was ground into flour. The millers, flush with cash after selling their produce in Spain, would return home to pay their dues to the monastery of Prouille before celebrating in grand style!

To this day, the carnival still begins with Limoux locals dressed as millers, honouring this centuries-old legacy. Over time, the festival developed into a satirical, musical, and deeply communal event.

Masked characters like the Pierrots and Goudils became central figures, with their dances and rituals handed down through generations. The carnival’s distinctive mix of folklore, rebellion, and revelry has even earned it a place on France’s list of cultural heritage sites.

What to Expect?

For 11 consecutive weekends, Limoux becomes a burst of colour, sound, and tradition. Here’s the program for the 2026 Carnival, and what to expect. 

The Bands: Fécos and Goudils

Every Saturday, Sunday, and Mardi Gras, the town’s streets come alive with the ‘Fécos’ and ‘Goudils’, masked, costumed revellers accompanied by the infectious rhythms of traditional Limoux music.

The ‘Fécos’, with their elaborate feathered costumes and polished brass bands, bring order and spectacle. Meanwhile, the ‘Goudils’, dressed in rags and soot, create delightful chaos with their whistles, drums, and satirical antics.

This year, 30 bands, each with 15 to 20 members, will lead the celebrations. Expect three daily parades, at 11 AM, 4:30 PM, and 10 PM, each one more energetic than the last. 

A Day in the Life of Limoux Carnival

So, what does a typical day at the world’s longest carnival look like?

Morning Kick-off

The festivities start at 11 AM, with the first bands marching through the streets. The Fécos lead the procession, moving in formation across Limoux’s squares, their brass instruments ringing off the historic buildings.

Afternoon Revelry

By 4:30 PM, the energy intensifies. The Goudils join the chaos, weaving through the crowds, teasing spectators, and adding their signature mischief. The bands move from café to café, where locals and visitors alike raise a glass of Blanquette de Limoux (the town’s famous sparkling wine) to the music.

Nighttime Magic

The carnival truly comes alive after dark. The 10 PM parade is a spectacle of torchlight, costumes, and unrestrained joy. The streets pulse with music, dancing, and laughter, creating an atmosphere both traditional and electrifying.

A Carnival to Taste, Too

No visit to Limoux Carnival is complete without indulging in the region’s gastronomic delights. Fuel your festivities with:

 Choucroute Limouxine: A hearty, juniper-infused sauerkraut stew with sausages and pork, perfect for warming up on a crisp winter day.

• Cassoulet: Slow-cooked beans, duck, and pork, a comfort-food classic of Occitanie.
• Fouace: A sweet, brioche-like bread flavoured with orange blossom, often enjoyed with a glass of Blanquette de Limoux.
• Local Wines & Spirits: Don’t miss the chance to sip on Blanquette de Limoux, the sparkling wine that predates Champagne.

The Grand Finale: Burning the Carnival King

As with all great carnivals, Limoux’s festivities conclude with a spectacular finale. On the final Sunday, the Burning of the Carnival King (brûlage du Roi de la Fête) takes centre stage. A giant effigy, representing the spirit of the carnival, is paraded through the streets before being set ablaze in the Place de la République.

This fiery ritual signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring, drawing crowds who cheer as the flames soar into the night sky. After the burning, the town gathers for one last feast, reminiscing on another memorable season of music, laughter, and community.

Why You Should Experience Limoux Carnival

The Limoux Carnival is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and pure joy. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the masks, or the sheer energy of the streets, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the last note fades.

So, if you’re seeking a winter escape rich in tradition, full of life, and unlike anything else in the world, pack your bags and head to Limoux. The party lasts for three whole months, giving plenty of time to join in the fun in the heart of Occitanie!
 
If you love carnivals and the lively party atmosphere in southern France, explore the Nice Carnival and Fête du Citron in February, as we patiently await spring and the return of Riviera sunshine.