The Carnival of Albi takes place, in principle, from the end of January to the beginning of March in the streets of Albi.
The first known mention of the carnival would be, according to some, the banning of mardi-gras masks in 1484 by Bishop Louis I of Amboise, the same bishop who ordered the Last Judgement of the Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile.
If we stick to that date, which suggests earlier editions of the carnival, Albi would be one of the oldest carnivals in France.
Disguising oneself as Mores, Ethiopians..., is severely punished.
Then over the years, the Carnival of Albi became, like any carnival, a space of freedom and slingshot.
Today, the carnival is celebrated every year almost without interruption since 1951.
Since 1905, it has been distinguished by its monumental floats made of purely Albigensian cardboard-paste. About twenty monumental floats parade through the city, each with a different theme. Today, these floats are powered by electric mechanisms.
Each year, a Queen presides over the festivities.
In 2020, it will celebrate its 65th anniversary...
https://www.albi-tourisme.fr/fr/65eme-carnaval-dalbi
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