of Laundresses. They inspired, during the last years of the nineteenth century, other guilds and unions to elect their own queens. Also known as the ‘’Vachalcade’’. Originally intended to be an annual event, it only lasted two seasons. Modern day carnival In 1997 the carnival was restarted by the Les Fumantes de Pantruches and Droit à la Culture groups. They are still quite active and hold several events each year - Carnaval de Paris and the Carnaval des Femmes de Paris, of which the poster on this page is an example. Since 2002 a Carnaval has also been run by MACAQ - the Movement for the Cultural and Artistic Liveliness of the Quarter. There were around 1500 participants in 2007, with 10,000 spectators, which grew to 15,000 participants and 40,000 spectators in 2009, according to the organizers. In 2010 the carnival coincided with Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year, the theme was improbable couples. It set off from Place Gambetta and went via Belleville, where it met the Chinese New Year parade, to République, before arriving at Hôtel de Ville. External links Carnaval de Paris (Droit à la Culture) Radio France Internationale - Unlikely couples in Paris on Valentine's Day, Radio report and slideshow from Paris carnival Reference list Festivals in Paris Paris Mardi Gras Winter events in France