The tradition of winter carnivals dates back to pre-Christian pagan rituals that marked the end of winter and prepared to welcome spring. Everyone knows the Venetian carnival, but there are many cities in Europe where carnival costumes and processions are not inferior to masks in Venice.
Find out about lesser-known carnivals, maybe you’ll find yourself in Sicily for the next two weeks, or in Greece to see their version of Pancake Day. Will you be in Prague for the Masopust processions and celebrations?
I advise you to take the opportunity to visit one of the lesser-known but no less interesting carnivals in Europe.
When will the carnivals take place in 2026?
This year’s Carnival festivities begin at the end of February on February 13, 2026. And end with a grand parade on February 21, 2026. The Venice Carnival will take place from January 31 to February 17.
The last week of Carnival means dancing, parties, and open-air performances every day in major European cities. But the most fun is to attend the carnival procession that takes place on Ash Tuesday evening. According to various traditions, a parade is held on this day, and at the end of it, some ritual sculptures are burned in some cities. For example, on the island of Tenerife, it is a large sardine fish that is a symbol of wealth and prosperity on an island where everything once depended on fishermen and their catch.
Masopust – Bohemian Carnival, Czech Republic
Every year, 40 days before Easter, Prague and other cities in Czech Bohemia host a carnival called Masopust, or “meat fasting.” It is usually held within 2 weeks before the beginning of Lent.
People wear costumes and masks of various animals and human characters. For example, devils, shepherds, pigs, dogs, goats, or sheep, walking the streets, singing and dancing. Traditionally, there are festive parades of masks, accompanied by bands, which go from house to house and receive treats and treats.
Carnival celebrations in Prague include masquerade parades, feasts, dancing and singing in the streets. Active Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Žižkov, Jiří z Poděbradě Square, and many other areas of Prague. A lesser-known, yet largest carnival is Carnevale Prague in the city center.
I advise you to read it: What to see in Prague if it’s not your first time here
Malorussian Masopust 2026
In Prague, in Lesser Town and Hradcany, locals and tourists will gather to watch the procession in carnival costumes. The procession will start in front of the tavern “U Černého vola” on Loreto Square and then the carnival will go through the taverns and restaurants on Nerudova, Tunovská, Malostranská Square and Mostícká Streets.
The procession will be accompanied by the Prague Fair Gut Kutheil. Since the holidays are on the eve of the Easter Lent, be prepared to taste various meat dishes and snacks at street fairs and in restaurants.
On Masopust, traditional duck, piglets on a spit, stewed cabbage Zele, and kalachy are served. While we fry pancakes on Shrovetide, in the Czech Republic donuts take their place.
Where to stay in Prague:
- Old Prague Hotel – is a timeless classic in the heart of Prague. A stone’s throw from Old Town Square and all the other iconic sites of the Czech capital.
- Eurostars Thalia – is a modern hotel with spacious attic rooms overlooking Prague’s rooftops. It has its fitness center and delicious breakfasts.
- Karlova 25 Apartments – apartments on the most popular street in the center of Prague – Karlova. Everything is close by, but you can cook your own breakfasts or dinners and not spend a lot of money on restaurants.
- Like Home Apartments Prague – very comfortable apartments for an adequate price in the city center, designed for a family of 4 persons.
Carnival in Tenerife – a festive burial of sardines
The Spanish island of Tenerife hosts one of the largest carnivals in the world. The capital city of Santa Cruz turns into the epicenter of a colorful celebration and show comparable only to the world-famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
About a million people come to the small island every year, and for two weeks the island’s small capital, Santa Cruz, turns into a huge hive of carnival goers and tourists. Grand costumed processions, music and Latin American rhythms, dancing until the morning – this creates a special sensual atmosphere of celebration on the night streets of Santa Cruz. A huge fair with carousels for children, food courts with a variety of treats and drinks is unfolding on the waterfront.
Where and When
Every year, the Tenerife Carnival is held under a specific theme. Every year, the Tenerife Carnival takes place under a specific theme. The dates are February 11 – February 22, 2026.
As part of the carnival, a festival of electronic music is held, which sounds over the streets and promenades of Santa Cruz at night. At the end of the holiday, on February 14, the central event of the parade will be the “Burial of the Sardine“. The symbol of the Tenerife carnival, a large papier-mâché fish, is burned, and the ashes of the fish are buried on the beach with numerous fireworks.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Casapatrizia Appartamento compartido≫ – hotel in the center, near the waterfront.
- Casa Compartida Weyler≫ – Very nice apartment in the heart of Santa Cruz. There is a shared kitchen where you can cook on a large balcony with a sofa.
- Apartamentos Acaymo≫ – comfortable accommodation, a little further from the center. It has nearby shops, comfortable beds, a well-equipped kitchen and a private terrace.
I advise you to read it: Ronda, Spain – 10 things to do in the white city on a cliff
Sicilian carnival in Archiale
Italy is a trendsetter in European carnival fashion. Go to the largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily, and take part in the carnival in Achireale. This small town, located on the slope of Mount Etna. It is world famous for its original carnival, accompanied by “flowering carts”. The Sicilian carnival is distinguished by its scale, grandeur, and spectacle.
I advise you to read it before planning a trip to Sicily:
Sicily – what to see on the island on your own in a week
The tradition of the Sicilian carnival originated in the 16th century. However, it was forgotten due to volcanic eruptions and numerous earthquakes. Two centuries later, the tradition gradually began to recover. And in 1948, the carnival in Achireale was recognized as the brightest and most colorful in Sicily. A procession of traditional Italian masquerade platforms with allegorical figures made exclusively of flowers passes through the Achireale. The cart parade is the main event of the carnival, where craftsmen demonstrate their skills. The funny characters are made of thousands of colorful carnations. There are no analogs of such sculptures in Italy, at least.
Everyone who prepares for the carnival in Achireale knows that one of the special events of the procession is the confetti massacre. People stock up on firecrackers in advance and during the holiday there is an incredible noise, the streets are littered with colored scraps of paper. The tradition of the massacre changed a bit – in the 16th century, rotten eggs and oranges were thrown instead of confetti, although firecrackers are hardly safe entertainment. But, of course, the holiday is not complete without music, sports events, exhibitions, fairs, numerous contests and theater performances.
Where to stay near Arciale – hotels in Catania:
- Hotel Villa del Bosco≫ – is a hotel with beautifully decorated rooms. The upper terrace of the second floor offers a very beautiful view.
- Plaza Hotel Catania≫ – great view from the balcony in the room, good breakfasts in the cafe overlooking the sea.
- Hotel Nettuno≫ – The hotel has a private beach with sun loungers and umbrellas and serves hearty breakfasts.
Carnival in Greece
The Greeks also celebrate Shrovetide, which is called Apokryesis. The festival takes place in many cities, but the festivities in the northern town of Patra are particularly noteworthy.
Patrino karnavali is not just a big celebration, but a series of colorful events – balls, parades, contests and cultural events. It lasts for 40 days and culminates on February 13, the last Sunday before the start of Lent. The Patron’s Carnival has been officially held since 1829. But the roots of this holiday go back to the distant past. For thousands of years, the Greeks of the Peloponnese practiced rituals praising the god of wine, Dionysus.
Where and When
At the end of Shrovetide week, the center of the seaside town hosts the Grand Parade. This is a procession of carnival platforms with huge satirical puppets, accompanied by thousands of people in costume. The central square of the city turns into a huge dance floor. The thousands of carnival participants dance until the early morning.
In the evening of the same day, a farewell ceremony will be held in the port of Patras with the solemn burning of the carnival king’s platform and a grand fireworks display. On Maundy Monday, the final festivities begin, with folk festivities in honor of the beginning of Lent.
The word “kuluma” comes from the Latin word Culumus. It means “abundance” and “end,” i.e. the end of the carnival. Traditionally, paper kites will be launched in the sky. They will be tied to papers with the names of diseases written on them, which will fly away with the snake, symbolizing purification.
Where to stay near Patra:
- 3 Bedrooms Maisonette≫ – Very spacious, spotlessly clean apartment, beautiful decor and a very nice terrace.
- Patra Studio B4≫ – is a really nice studio with a balcony. Very clean, nice owners, will be furnished, beautiful view from the balcony, quiet neighborhood.
- Airotel Achaia Beach≫ – Very nice view from the room, the hotel is clean, and there is a great breakfast.
I advise you to read: Holidays and festivals in Portugal
Carnival in Düsseldorf
Germany does not lag behind the southern countries and also celebrates the carnival. Almost all major cities have costume parades, but the Düsseldorf carnival is different.
The origins of German carnivals date back to the Middle Ages. When jousting tournaments were in vogue, usually ended in street processions. Carnival in Düsseldorf is considered the “fifth time of year” and begins long before Christmas. It happened at the moment of awakening of the key figure of the holiday, the jester Hoppeditz, who is a symbol of carnival frolic.
Where and When
The jester wakes up on the Market Square at the “magical” moment of 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month. In this moment the festivities begin. And it will end before the great Easter Lent, with the symbolic funeral of the jester on Ash Wednesday (February 14 2024). Hundreds of “mourners” will gather on the square near the city museum, shedding crocodile tears and shouting lamentations – in general, a traditional farewell party.
It is in the last week before Lent that the main events of the carnival take place in Düsseldorf. A grandiose procession with decorated ships and countless pedestrians taking part in the procession will take place in the city center. This is the so-called Rose Monday, the culmination of the Düsseldorf Carnival, the Rosenmontag parade.
A gigantic procession with decorations and organized bands, orchestras and music, songs and dances passes through the city center. The main participants in the procession are platforms with giant puppets on them, mocking German and world politicians.
Where to stay in Dusseldorf:
- Premier Inn Düsseldorf City Friedrichstadt≫ – a comfortable hotel near the train station, this is a great option, the staff is friendly, the rooms are new and clean, a huge plus is full noise insulation.
- numa I Artol Rooms & Apartments≫ – The metro is a few minutes from the hotel, but the center of the old town is in one metro station, so you can walk. Large, clean, bright rooms, there is a capsule coffee machine.
- Ruby Leni Hotel Dusseldorf≫ – Great location near the center. Clean rooms and polite staff.
Useful articles and links:
- The most romantic places for the February weekend
- Warm week in February – where to go for a winter holiday
- Winter Malta – My Travel Experience in February
- 10 warm routes for a winter hiking trip
- How to save on Booking with Genius discounts
Travel Medical Insurance for traveling abroad – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
Car rental – at DiscoverCars
