Description:

Albi Carnaval in the Tarn department of Midi-Pyrenees, South West France.

Albi held its Caranval during last week and Guide2MidiPyrenees went along for the closing parade on Sunday. 

Despite the forecast of storms and strong winds for the weekend, luckily the Midi-Pyrenees region escaped the worst of it and Albi Caranval closing parade went ahead on a warm and sunny Sunday.

We arrived in plenty of time, but there was already a great atmosphere around the town.  The amusement stalls were keeping the expectant crowds entertained while they waited for the start of the parade.  The food stalls were also ding a great trade, particularly the ones selling beignets and churros, variations on donuts!

The parade moved very slowly through the town with a good selection of floats, bands and street entertainers.  I have no idea how many tons of confetti were thrown around, but someone is going to be busy for the next few weeks clearing it up.  I also have a fair scattering in my car and house to remind me of the day!  If you don’t want to get covered in confetti, stand well back!  With participants and spectators play fighting with it and some floats with air blowers sending it high into the air, there was little escape.

The huge floats with amazingly decorated figures must have taken weeks to build and paint.  With a varied assortment of entertainers, from bandas, majorettes, stilt walkers, African groups and all sorts in-between, it was an entertaining and involving show.  Of course, a carnival parade would not be complete without a queen and princesses and Albi’s carnival Queen and escorts brought the parade to a close.

Typical of France, there was none of the over zealous crowd control you see in the UK and the parade was continually stopping while children and animals were ushered from the path of the trundling floats and marching bands.

It was a party atmosphere and fantastic fun for all the family.  Have a look in MyGuide2 for the pictures and video from the event.

Albi is an attractive town with much to offer the visitor making a great base for exploring Tarn and is within easy reach of Toulouse.  Have a read of our Albi information page to find out why.

Guide2MidiPyrenees has a wealth of help and information if you plan to visit and make the most of your stay.  Check out our accommodation listings for great places to stay and our travel pages will help you sort out getting to the region

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