A'join is a Belgian non-profit association dedicated to actively participating in, stimulating, and promoting the world-famous carnival traditions of Aalst, East Flanders.
Every year we design elaborate costumes, build impressive parade floats (praalwagens), and proudly participate in the world-famous Aalst Carnival — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event attracting over 100,000 visitors.
A passionate community of carnival enthusiasts preserving cultural heritage in Belgium
Founded on March 14, 2015, A'join is a Belgian non-profit organization (Vereniging zonder winstoogmerk / Association sans but lucratif) officially registered under enterprise number BE 0606.985.220.
Our primary mission is to actively participate in, stimulate, and promote the carnival celebrations in and around the city of Aalst, located in the province of East Flanders, Belgium.
We are a volunteer-driven organization where members come together to create spectacular carnival experiences — from designing and sewing elaborate costumes to engineering and building grand parade floats. Our association is governed by the Belgian Law of June 27, 1921 concerning non-profit associations.
From costume design to float building — we bring carnival dreams to life
We design and create elaborate, original costumes for our carnival group. Each costume is handcrafted with creativity and passion, reflecting the spirit and humor of Aalst carnival.
We design and construct impressive carnival floats (praalwagens) for the annual Aalst Carnival parade. These large-scale art installations are the highlight of the carnival procession.
Every year, our members proudly participate in the world-famous Aalst Carnival parade — one of Belgium's most iconic cultural events, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We foster a strong sense of community among our members, bringing together people who share a passion for carnival culture. Our regular meetings and events create lasting bonds.
We actively promote and preserve the rich carnival traditions of Aalst and the broader East Flanders region, ensuring these cultural practices are passed on to future generations.
We collaborate with other carnival organizations both nationally and internationally, exchanging ideas and best practices to enrich the carnival experience for everyone.
Complete official registration data for verification
As registered with the Belgian Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE)
Join us at our upcoming carnival events and activities
Join us for the official start of our 2026 carnival season. We'll present our float theme, discuss costume designs, and welcome new members.
The grand Sunday parade featuring our carnival float and costumed members marching through the streets of Aalst, starting at the Statieplein at 13:00.
Monday parade with the Aalsterse Gilles Bezemdans at 14:00 and the traditional Ajuinworp (onion throw) at the Grote Markt at 14:30.
The humorous Tuesday parade of Voil Jeanetten (men dressed in women's clothes), followed by the traditional popverbranding (effigy burning) at 21:00.
Stay informed about our latest activities, events, and carnival news
The official program for Aalst Carnival 2026 has been released. A'join will participate with an exciting new float theme. Stay tuned for more details!
CarnivalA'join is opening its doors to new members for the 2026 carnival season. No experience needed — just a passion for carnival culture!
MembershipOur team held a successful float design workshop with over 25 members participating. The winning theme for our 2026 praalwagen was selected!
WorkshopJoin our community and help create unforgettable carnival experiences
Join as an individual and participate in all A'join activities, from costume creation to the carnival parade.
Bring the whole family! Perfect for households who want to experience carnival together.
Not ready to commit? Volunteer your time and skills to help with float building and event organization.
All membership fees directly support our carnival activities, float construction, costume creation, and community events. A'join is a registered non-profit — proceeds support our mission.
The people leading A'join forward
Common questions about A'join and our carnival activities
Want to join, collaborate, or learn more? We'd love to hear from you.
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you soon.
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
A'join VZW ("we," "us," or "our"), registered under enterprise number BE 0606.985.220, with registered office at Moorselbaan 49, 9300 Aalst, Belgium, is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, contact us, or participate in our activities.
This policy complies with the Belgian Law of July 30, 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data, and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR — Regulation (EU) 2016/679).
A'join VZW
Moorselbaan 49, 9300 Aalst, Belgium
Enterprise Number: BE 0606.985.220
Email: ouajaw@gmail.com
Phone: +32 470 12 34 56
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal data to third parties. We may share your data only with service providers who assist us in our operations (under data processing agreements), when required by law, or with your explicit consent.
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by Belgian law.
To exercise these rights, contact us at: ouajaw@gmail.com
Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
If we transfer your data outside the EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
For questions about this policy or to exercise your rights:
Email: ouajaw@gmail.com
Address: A'join VZW, Moorselbaan 49, 9300 Aalst, Belgium
You can also lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD/GBA):
Website: https://www.dataprotectionauthority.be
Phone: +32 (0)2 283 19 00
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
By accessing and using the website of A'join VZW (enterprise number BE 0606.985.220), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.
A'join VZW is a Belgian non-profit association (Vereniging zonder winstoogmerk) registered at Moorselbaan 49, 9300 Aalst, Belgium. Our purpose is to actively participate in, stimulate, and promote carnival events in and around the city of Aalst, East Flanders.
This website is provided for informational purposes about our organization and activities. You may use this website for lawful purposes only.
All content on this website is the property of A'join VZW and is protected by Belgian and international copyright laws.
A'join VZW strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. We are not liable for any damages arising from the use of this website.
These terms are governed by Belgian law. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Dendermonde, Belgium.
For questions about these Terms: ouajaw@gmail.com