Carnival break 2026
East Belgium
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Carnival break
The carnival break 2026 runs from 14 February to 22 February.
The carnival break in East Belgium lasts one week and usually falls at the end of February or the beginning of March. In East Belgium, carnival has a strong tradition deeply rooted in Rhineland culture.
The festivities actually begin on 11 November with the official start of the carnival season. During the holiday week, the festive spirit reaches its peak, and public life in places like Eupen is entirely devoted to carnival.
The atmosphere is comparable to that of nearby Cologne or Aachen.
Activities during the carnival break
The Eupen Carnival is one of the largest carnival events in the country and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from the wider region. Short trips to the Eifel, the Alps, or the Vosges are popular with families looking for snow.
The Vennbahn also offers lovely winter cycling along the snow-covered landscape. Sankt Vith and Kelmis also hold carnival processions with local accents.
The Malmundarium in Malmedy, just across the language border, offers a fascinating exhibition on regional carnival traditions. Children can take part in special children's carnival parties organised in many municipalities.
Practical info about the carnival break
During carnival days, road closures may occur in Eupen and other locations, affecting traffic. Holiday camps and sports activities offer childcare for working parents.
Not all businesses and administrative offices are open on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), which is treated as an unofficial day off in the region. Public transport may be temporarily rerouted around carnival processions.
Parents looking for childcare should enquire early with their municipality, as the supply is more limited than during other holiday periods.
Did you know this about the carnival break?
The Eupen Carnival is the largest carnival procession in East Belgium and has a tradition spanning more than 100 years. The festivities extend over several days with processions, balls, and street parties.
The Eupen Prinzenpaare (prince couples) are elected each year and hold an important ceremonial role throughout the carnival season. Unlike the Carnival of Binche, which has Walloon roots, the Eupen Carnival follows the Rhineland model with Weiberfastnacht, Rosenmontag, and Veilchendienstag.
The entire region transforms into an open-air celebration that strengthens community bonds.