Whether you’re looking for a traditional carnival experience or something that’s truly one-of-a-kind, Europe has plenty of options for everyone. Here are some of the best carnivals in Europe that you won’t want to miss.
Carnival of Venice, Italy
The Carnival of Venice is an annual event that takes place in the city of Venice, Italy. The Carnival is one of the most popular and important festivals in Italy, and it has been celebrated since 1162. The 2023 edition will take place from February 4 to February 21 and during this time, the city of Venice is transformed into a vibrant, festive atmosphere. The Carnival is also known for its elaborate masks: they come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional Venetian masks to modern designs.
Viareggio Carnival, Italy
With a tradition dating back to 1873, the Carnival of Viareggio is among the most famous international carnivals thanks to its huge, sensational carnival floats, the result of the efforts of over 1,000 workers from more than 25 companies: made of papier-mâché, the floats and their enormous cardboard caricatures offer a satirical take on contemporary issues representing politicians and celebrities. In addition to the parades on the seafront in Viareggio, the whole Carnival period will be accompanied by local festivals, guided tours, workshops and a night parade, to celebrate Shrove Thursday.
Carnival in Naples, Italy
The Neapolitan capital has always been known worldwide for its folkloric traditions full of colors, joy and irresistible flavors. The Carnival is a very popular celebration in Naples, and it brings a lot of old traditions that are rooted in the Neapolitan culture. Every year, children dress up and walk among the city streets. Pulcinella is the spirit of Neapolitan Carnival and it’s one of the oldest masks, as it dates back to 1600. His name means “small chick”, referring to his voice and his hooked nose. The connection between Pulcinella and Naples is very strong, as it is also trackable in famous expressions such as “il segreto di Pulcinella” (Pulcinella’s secret): it refers to something that is classified as a secret but it’s not properly one since everyone knows about it.
Carnival in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Carnival in Mallorca is a time to party big-style ! This year´s Carnival festivities take place around the island and in Palma on the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February 2023. The Palma Carnival is an exciting event with plenty of activities for locals and tourists. During the carnival, there are parades with colorful floats and costumes, live music, dances, shows, and much more. The main parade takes place on the last Sunday of Carnival and is followed by a huge fireworks show. At night, there are parties, concerts, and other activities. The Palma Carnival is a great opportunity to experience the culture and energy of the city.
Carnival in Nice, France
In France, the carnival season starts with the Carnival of Nice, which is the largest carnival in the country. This event usually takes place in February and attracts people from all over the world. During the Carnival of Nice, people take to the streets to watch extravagant parades, eat local delicacies, and take part in a variety of activities. The parades are filled with vibrant colors, costumes, and music, making it an exciting and memorable experience. The celebration also includes a lot of dancing, as people take to the streets to show off their best moves.
Carnival in Athens, Greece
The Athens Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in Greece and this year will run from 5th to 26th of February.The festival is filled with colorful costumes, parades, and performances and it’s the perfect chance to explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere and culture. All around the city you will be surrounded by street parades, food, homemade sweets, and music. There will be live concerts at squares and indoor halls all around. As this isn’t enough, there are many activities for children. Animators and clowns will entertain the kids, while others will get a face painting, or participate in the contest for the best costume. This week-long event has something to offer for everybody and is guaranteed.
No matter where you travel in Europe, you’ll find amazing carnivals and festivals to enjoy. From the traditional to the unique, Europe is home to some of the world’s most incredible carnivals. So get out and explore, and don’t forget to join in the fun! For more info contact us at commercial@acquera.com
