Laurie Duhaudt Crowned World Champion in Seagull Cry Imitation at Dunkirk Carnival

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the city of Dunkirk became the arena for an unusual competition during the 13th edition of the World Seagull Cry Imitation Championships. The main prize and prestigious trophy, known as the Bouclier de Mouéttus, was won by Dunkirk resident Laurie Duhaudt. Performing under the humorous pseudonym "Maître Mouette et Chandon," she works as a bailiff. The winner presented herself in a costume adorned with feathers, holding a bottle of champagne, which was a playful reference to her contest name. This year's competition gained particular prominence thanks to the participation of Carlito, half of the famous YouTube duo McFly et Carlito, whose channel is followed by over 7.6 million subscribers. Carlito performed under the pseudonym "Johnny Carlimouette," trying to remain unrecognized in a white jumpsuit with an attached beak and sunglasses. Although his presence caused quite a stir among the audience, the jury composed of seven festival-goers rated the authenticity and expression of the local favorite the highest. The Dunkirk Carnival is a tradition dating back to the 17th century, originally associated with feasts organized for fishermen embarking on dangerous cod fishing trips off the coast of Iceland. The event took place in an atmosphere of joyful fun, despite the prevailing cold and intermittent snowfall. The thirteenth edition confirmed the championships' status as one of the most peculiar yet beloved points of the Dunkirk Carnival program. Most participants were residents of the Hauts-de-France region, but the event's popularity on social media means it attracts guests from across the country and even abroad year after year. The jury evaluated not only the sound itself but also the creativity of the costumes and the overall stage presence of the contestants. 13. — time a world champion has been crowned in this unusual contest This event shows how contemporary pop culture, represented by online creators, intertwines with centuries-old regional tradition. Although Carlito did not win the main trophy, his participation contributed to promoting Dunkirk's cultural heritage among the younger generation. The organizers emphasize that the essence of the competition remains self-deprecation and the shared celebration of local identity, perfectly embodied by this year's winner, who combines a serious profession with carnival madness.