Alaaf! Mechelen is alive again during the wacky Carnival parade!

The Maneblussers brave threatening clouds and revive Carnival tradition

On Sunday, March 3, preceded by Town Crier Bellemadam Myriam Sips, Mechelen’s annual carnival parade passed through the streets. Despite threatening clouds, the Maneblussers, the only remaining carnival association in Mechelen (Belgium), managed to attract thousands of curious people to the downtown area. With 20 floats, dancers and typical carnival music, they brought a cheerful note to these turbulent times. The smallest Maneblussers visibly enjoyed all the candy thrown at them.

A Carnival Parade with a Wink

The parade, which started at 2:11 p.m., followed a course through the downtown area. The Veemarkt, Grote Markt, IJzerenleen, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat, Bruul and again the Grote Markt were filled with colorful floats, dressed up revelers and upbeat music. What I personally think also very unique because of the merging between a Shopping Warm Welcome Weekend and Carnival Parade.

The parade was admittedly slightly smaller than other years, with 20 instead of the usual 25 wagons. This was due to the move to Sunday, March 3. Because of this move, fewer carnival associations were available across the country to participate. (Continue reading below the photos)

A Warm Welcome to All Party People

The carnival procession ran synchronously with the Warm Welcome Weekend, with the shopping Sunday and carnival procession complementing each other perfectly. It was a busy Sunday in town, as Open Construction Site Day on the site of the construction of the new train station also attracted many people. The hospitality industry and merchants look back with satisfaction on a fantastic three-day shopping and festive weekend. Continue reading below the photos

The Future of Carnival in Mechelen

The Mechelen carnival tradition is experiencing difficult times. The number of carnival associations has fallen sharply in recent years. City Carnival Guild the Maneblussers, with their 20 or so members, are the last of the Mohicans. Yet they continue to celebrate carnival with great passion and enthusiasm.

“Carnival is Folklore and we must Continue to Cherish it.”

Veerle Van der Elst, president of the Maneblussers, is determined to keep the carnival tradition alive in Mechelen. “We don’t want to let the work of our predecessors go to waste,” she says. “Carnival is folklore and we should continue to cherish that.”

A Call to Youth

The future of carnival in Mechelen depends on the younger generations. The Maneblussers therefore hope that more young people will join the association. “We need the youth to ensure our succession,” Veerle said.

Enjoy the Carnival Aftermovie 2024!

Curious about the atmosphere of the carnival parade? Check out the aftermovie on Traveltopper’s Youtube channel. Do not miss it and click today on the button ‘subscribe’ it is free and you will be informed when a new video is published

Alaaf tot volgend jaar!

The Maneblussers thank all the revelers who made the carnival procession a success. The festivities ended on the Grote Markt with the throwing of balloons and the last sweets and hugs in the audience. On to an even more festive edition on March 30, 2025!

Text, photos and video Verschueren Eddy for Mechelen at its Best and Traveltopper