Carnival of Granville

Every February, the quiet coastal town of Granville in Normandy is engulfed in a whirlwind of color, satire, and jubilation. For five days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, over 150,000 visitors flood the streets to witness the largest carnival west of Paris. This UNESCO-recognized festival, deeply rooted in maritime history, offers a unique blend of tradition and satire that captivates both locals and tourists alike.

The Grand Cavalcade

The Confetti Battle

Culinary Delights

The origins of Granville's Carnival date back to the 16th century when the town was a major cod fishing port. Fishermen would hold a final celebration before Lent, prior to embarking on their long and perilous voyage to Newfoundland. This tradition evolved, and on February 7, 1875, the first official carnival was held.

Today, this carnival demonstrates a strong connection to Granville's maritime history and culture. It provides a time for the community to come together, celebrate history, poke fun at authority, and temporarily escape the winter blues. Its inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016 is a testament to the festival's cultural significance and the town's commitment to preserving this unique tradition.

It was a completely different experience from German carnivals. This seaside town carnival has a unique charm. When I spoke in my broken French, everyone responded with a smile. The balance between the discipline of the parade and the free-spirited atmosphere was perfect, and the local cuisine was a constant surprise. I ate a dish called galette saucisse, which reminded me of German bratwurst. I was also intrigued by the economic impact this carnival has on the region. I think it's a wonderful example of how tourism and traditional culture can coexist. Next year, I'd like to come back and bring my friends.

I've been participating in this carnival since I was a child. It used to be much smaller, but the excitement remains the same. This year, I brought my grandchildren for the first time. Watching their eyes light up at the colorful sights and music as the giant floats passed by, I felt like I was back in my own childhood. The savory aroma of galettes and the laughter in the air - that's the essence of Granville. And the moment when the confetti rains down, it feels like being enveloped in joy itself.

• Over 20 tons of confetti are used during the carnival parades - enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool!
• Each float in the parade can take up to 700 hours to construct and decorate.
• The tradition of burning the Carnival King effigy at the end of the festival dates back to ancient rituals of renewal and purification.
• Granville is often nicknamed the 'Monaco of the North' due to its clifftop location and once-glamorous reputation.
• The Chausey Islands, just off the coast of Granville, form the largest archipelago in Europe with 365 islets at low tide.

The Granville Carnival typically takes place in late February or early March, lasting for five days leading up to Shrove Tuesday.