Carnival Parade

Kuopio Dance Festival’s Carnival Parade will again charm this summer! The parade will take place on June 8 starting at 7:00 PM.

The idea is to bring color, southern European carnival spirit, and the joy of dance to the streets of the city. The parade is a playful competition where the best groups are awarded. It starts from the courtyard of Kulttuuriareena 44 and proceeds along Kauppakatu to Kuopio Market Square, where each group has one minute to perform and impress the judges.

Any team representing any organization can register for the competition, as long as the team has at least four members. Multiple teams from the same company, association, etc., are welcome to participate.

Groups may, if they wish, perform dance and choreography, which is one of the judged categories. However, the competition is lighthearted, and choreography is not mandatory.

The jury will award the winning team the first prize of €1,000. The second prize is worth €500. In addition, the winning team will receive a trophy, which must be returned to the event the following year to be presented to the next winner. The event’s cash prizes are sponsored by PeeÄssä.

Registration is open: 4 Feb – 13 May 2026

Photos: Ulla-Mari Lindström

The organiser reserves the right to make changes.