Dunkerque is a small town in the northernmost tip of France. It is very close to the border with Belgium and is actually located on the shores of the North Sea.
Dunkerque’s cultural heritage is illustrated by the wide variety of resources and events: museums, cinemas, theatre, conference centre, cafes with live music, festivals, architectural and historic sites and, of course, the Carnival. For two months (late January to early March), Dunkerque celebrates the festival that once gave a cheerful send-off to fishermen sailing north to fish in the dangerous icy waters round Iceland. Each weekend a different group holds a procession, with crowds of carnival revellers led by a band, and featuring visiting "giants" such as the Scandinavian warrior Reuze Papa and his wife from Cassell. In the evenings each group holds a lively ball.