December, 20 2022 ( Updated February, 01 2024)
Carnivals are the perfect time to leave regular life behind and indulge in the “wine, dine and forget the bad times” philosophy. Starting before the solemn period of lent, carnival celebrations in Europe are all about excesses and enjoying life to the fullest. Almost all European countries celebrate carnivals with their own traditions, myths and folklore but there are some that are timeless and have attracted thousands of visitors over the years.
In our list below we are bringing you some of the best places to celebrate carnivals in Europe 2024!
One of the best carnivals in Italy that stands out for its incredible 20-foot-high floats is the Carnival of Viareggio. Showcasing some of the most politically aware floats, the Viareggio Carnival brings those visitors to this seaside resort who love good political satire. Earlier, the floats have taken up political themes of sea pollution endangering marine life, Donald Trump etc. and some of the floats also pay homage to famous figures.
A masked man having fun on the carnival float in Viareggio, Tuscany
The floats are categorised into different classes: First-class floats, second-class floats, masked groups and individual categories. Visitors can even learn the art of papier-mâché, the artisanal technique used to construct the one-of-a-kind parade floats of the carnival.
Of course, if you are staying longer, then Viareggio has many things to do that you can check out right here!
Date: 3, 8, 11, 13, 18 and 24 February 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations around Viareggio
Official Website: Carnival of Viareggio
Made of colourful street parties, parades and endless celebration, the Greece carnival, called Apokries in Greek, is for those who believe in the age-old saying of “Carpe Diem” - seize the day.
The joyful Carnival Parade in Rethymno, Crete
The best carnivals in Greece take place in Patras, Rethymno, Galaxdi, Xanti and Kastoria. Out of these, the Rethymno carnival is the perfect combination of the modern and the traditional. Once the celebrations start, you will find people sitting in groups in traditional cafes (Kafeneia) drinking fragrant alcoholic beverages (raki or tsikoudiá) and topping off their carefree time with delicious Cretan delicacies and weaving folk songs (mantinádes) on the spot!
The official declaration of the start of the carnival happens when a “town crier” goes around telling everybody about the carnival festivities that will take place during the celebration. Extravagant night-time parades, treasure hunts for children, artisanal workshops and music fill the schedule of the carnival in Rethymno. The carnival is led to its conclusion with the burning of the effigy of the Carnival King!
However, certainly not to be missed are the unique traditions that come alive in the island villages of Arméni, Geráni and Mironas.
Planning to stay a little longer? Check out the perks of the digital nomad life in Crete!
Dates: 24 February to 17 March 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations in Crete
More Info: Rethymno Carnival
Cádiz, the ancient pearl of Costa del Sol, becomes a colourful venue for a musical celebration and open-air parties in the 10-day-long Carnival of Cádiz. The carnival is a series of music concerts, which are a mix of satirical and humorous pieces, the ideal accompaniment to letting yourself go and having a great time with an uninterrupted flow of food and wine!
A typical carnival chorus (chirigota) sings in the streets during the famous Carnaval of Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain
There are various singing groups, and you can choose whichever vibes with you the most: Comparsas (folk dancers), Chirigotas (choral folk songs of Cádiz), Cuartetos (quartets), Romanceros (folk ballads) or the street-stars, Ilegales (groups of families who sing humorous songs). The official carnival competition, in which almost 100 groups participate, takes place in the Gran Teatro Falla!
Then there is also the magnificent Cabalgata Magna–the highlight of this extremely popular and vibrant carnival in Spain. The Cabalgata Magna is a grand showcase of giant floats, costumed people dancing in the streets, orchestra music performances, and dozens of decorated carriages.
If you wish to extend your stay, then there are many things to do in Costa del Sol, especially in the amazing cities of Málaga and Marbella!
Dates: 8-18 February 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations in Costa del Sol
More info: Carnival of Cadiz
Yes, carnivals are the time to run into the popular and the crowded. But what if we told you that there are still some carnivals that have their authenticity and mysteriousness completely intact? Dubbed as one of the best carnivals around the world by Lonely Planet, the Kurentovanje of Ptuj is the most ethnic Mardi Gras of Slovenia and just the kind of carnival in Europe you are looking for if you want to go for an off-the-radar experience.
A group of people dressed as Kurents, the typical character of the Kurentovanje in Ptuj, Slovenia
The main character of the carnival, Kurent, is dressed from top to bottom in sheep fur, but its historical origins are largely unknown. The Kurents are supposed to ward off the winter days and bring in the brighter days of spring by ringing bells by the fire. There are other characters in the festival too such as dancers, Dornava gipsies, dragons and people coming out in costumes of hens and horses!
Looking forward to exploring more things to do in Slovenia? Check them out right here!
Date: 3 to 13 February 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations around Ptuj
Official Website: Kurentovanje of Ptuj
Ready for the most epic orange fight in the world? Forget about the parades and the street celebrations, the Carnival of Ivrea is where you will see almost 700 tons of oranges vanishing in a few seconds!
In the middle of the famous War of Oranges during the Historic Carnival of Ivrea, Piedmont
In the medieval city of Ivrea, the local people come together to form 9 teams and participate in the 3-day-long Battle of Oranges, the most iconic event of the carnival. Other than that, the carnival is an excellent venue to experience local history as there are many representations of the historic events that shaped the city of Ivrea. One of the most fascinating ones is about Vezzosa Mugnaia, which is about a girl named Violetta who assassinated a local tyrant!
Of course, the Carnival of Ivrea, like all carnivals in Europe, is also a hub of wonderful parades and traditional dishes like the Fagioli Grassi (fat beans of Ivrea, a rich dish made of beans and pork) and delicious polenta and cod.
The skiing months are also still at their peak in Piedmont during the carnival. If you wish to test the stunning Milky Way slopes, then you can check the full guide right here!
Date: 11 to 13 February 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations around Ivrea
Official Website: Carnival of Ivrea
Now in its 150th year, the stunning Nice Carnival is yet another reason to visit the beautiful French Riviera as it is one of the largest, most elaborate and popular events on the Riviera. The event sees extremely beautiful floats along with unique annual themes, energetic dance groups, music bands, captivating fireworks, stunning acrobats and big papier-mâché dolls.
A carnival float decorated with papier-mâché dolls in Nice, France
There are three kinds of parades, and each one of them is unmissable; the Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of Flowers), Corso Carnivalesque Illumine (Parade of lights) and the Corso Carnavalesque (Carnival Parade). Each float has a different theme and some also feature satirical dolls related to the politics of the day!
Want to find more things to do in Nice? Check them out right here!
Date: 17 February – 3 March 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations in Nice
Official Website: Nice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is the classiest and most famous carnival in Europe that takes place over a period of 10 days of fun, frolic and one-of-its kind festivities. The setting of the carnival events is mainly around the world-renowned St. Mark’s Square, with almost all the participants and attendees showing up in fabulous, eye-catching costumes! The festivities comprise glam ball events, creative contests, regattas, parades and seriously decadent feasts.
The beautifully detailed carnival costumes of Venice
The “Festival delle Marie” is one of the main parades of the carnival, with 12 beautiful girls parading in medieval and renaissance costumes. Among them, the most beautiful receives the title of Maria of the Year. Also, unmissable is the opening of the carnival with the boats going through the Grand Canal up to Rialto, where delicious Venetian finger food, Cicchetti, is served.
The second Sunday of the carnival is dedicated to yet another spectacular event called the Volo dell'Angelo, wherein the winner of the Festival delle Marie from last year literally flies down the from St. Mark’s Bell Tower to the Doge’s Palace, attached to a rope!
Date: 27 January to 13 February 2024
Where to stay: Accommodations around Venice
Official Website: Venice Carnival
Patras Carnival: The Patras Carnival, one of Greece's most famous and vibrant celebrations, dates to the 19th century, blending Greek and European carnival traditions. Lasting for weeks, it culminates in the Grand Parade on the final Sunday before Clean Monday, featuring elaborate floats and costumes with satirical themes. Check our accomodations in the Peloponnese region.
The suggestive night parade at the Patras Carnival
Rijeka Carnival: The Rijeka Carnival in Croatia, held from January to Shrove Tuesday, is an internationally recognized cultural celebration. With imaginative masks, a grand parade, and global participation, it includes events like the Children’s and International Carnival Parades, Carnival DJ and Snowboard Sessions, Zvončari bell ringers, and the Balinjerada downhill race. Book your holiday home around Rijeka!
Malta Carnival: The Malta Carnival, Il-Karnival ta’ Malta, held annually in February, combines traditional Maltese festivities with modern elements. Grand parades in Valletta and Nadur on Gozo Island showcase colorful floats and masked performers representing historical figures. Music and dance, blending traditional and modern influences, contribute to the lively atmosphere. Have a look at our wide range of accommodations in Malta!
Menton Lemon Festival: The Menton Lemon Festival, "Fête du Citron," held annually in February, celebrates citrus fruits, especially lemons, in the French Riviera town of Menton. Lasting about two weeks, the festival features dazzling parades with floats adorned in meticulously arranged lemons and oranges, creating intricate patterns. The town transforms into an outdoor gallery with citrus-themed art exhibitions and sculptures, illuminated displays, and night parades. Have a look at our properties in the French Riviera!
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