A child's wonder at masks and costumes

It all began in the 1950s, in Bains-les-Bains in the VosgesAt the time, there were no supermarkets. It was in a simple neighborhood general store that a few cardboard masks made Yves Chrétien's eyes shineHe remembers, as a little boy:

"I was window shopping in front of it because it was so beautiful!"

To get a mask, you had to earn it and do well at school. Every year, Yves and his childhood friend received a mask from his father. His mother, in on the secret, would go and find old clothes in the attic and dress them up, before letting them go off to liven up the whole neighborhood.

"We were sure we wouldn't be recognized, even though everyone recognized us, of course. But we were so happy to have a mask and a costume!"

This simple happiness never left him, later rekindled by costume balls throughout his adolescence.

The revelation in Venice

Years later, a trip to the Venice Carnival rekindles this undiminished emotion. There, masks are no longer mere accessories: they are works of art.

"Faced with these remarkably beautiful masks, I felt like a child again."

An idea then began to take root. What if this magic could live in Remiremont, the city he loved?

When dreams take shape: the beginnings of the Venetian Carnival of Remiremont

In September 1995, after careful consideration, the idea was presented to the Tourist Office: an elegant, artistic Venetian carnival. inspired by Venice but rooted in the architecture and history of RemiremontThe resources are modest, but the audacity and determination are very much present.

In 1996, The first edition of the Venetian Carnival of Remiremont brings together 30 costumed participants over two days.. Praise appeared in the newspapers from the morning of the second day and, very quickly, the amazed public turned out in droves.

The glorious years of the Remiremont Carnival

In the following years, the carnival grew exponentially: 60 participants, then 100, then even more. In 2002, the association was officially created, and with it, a new dimension: exhibitions, gala evenings, concerts, draped stages, giant changing rooms at the Palais des Congrès, etc. This marked a significant milestone. the beginning of the Carnival's glorious years, with programming as we know it today.

But behind all of this, there is above all a human adventure.

"If we've achieved this success so far, it's not solely thanks to me; it's thanks to the entire team of volunteers who came to help or came in costume. It's a collective success."

A Carnival recognized in France and Venice

What began as a bold gamble has transformed into a major event in the Vosges, in France, and beyond. The Venetian Carnival of Remiremont is today:

• More than 400 costumed participants over 4 days of programming (Discover the 2026 program)
• A high-quality exhibitionin place for a whole week
• Approximately 100 volunteers mobilized for the event
• A team of 30 Casanovas, veritable "knights in shining armor" guiding and escorting the costumed participants, an elegant signature contributing to the carnival's identity
• An association with 340 members, which keeps the project alive throughout the year through outings, activities and cultural events

Over the years, other Venetian carnivals have sprung up in France. But Remiremont has maintained a special place. Its scale, the quality of its costumes, and the richness of its program make it a benchmark.

Et recognition now transcends bordersThe event's reputation has spread even to the city of the Doges, where artisans who create Venetian masks recognize the costumed revelers from Remiremont.

"The masked dance is a moment of love to be experienced."

Join us from March 26th to 29th for the 29th^e edition of the Venetian Carnival of Remiremont.