Carnivals in Europe

Feathered dancers performing in open-air setting during Aalborg Karneval celebration.

May 23

Aalborg Karneval 2026

Unknown female dancer enjoying the parade during the annual carnival in Aalst, which is a UNESCO recognized event of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Feb 7 - 9

Aalst Carnival 2027

Unidentified people take part in Basel Carnival in Basel, Switzerland.

Feb 15 - 17

Basel Carnival 2027

Group in colorful costumes dancing at the 2025 Berlin Carnival of Cultures, highlighting global diversity and street festival energy.

May 22 - 25

Berlin Karneval 2026

Gilles in masks dance at city square at Carnaval de Binche on February 24, 2004, Belgium. Carnival in Binche is included in a list of intangible heritage by UNESCO.

Feb 7 - 9

Binche Carnival 2027

Dancers and musicians dressed in ornate costumes parade through the streets of Bath in the annual carnival.

Jun 20

Bishop’s Stortford Carnival 2026

A colorful carnival parade organized by the inhabitants of a famous town in Murcia region

TBA

Carnaval de Águilas 2027

Cheerful laughing Carnival participants throw confetti during the parade of the carnival in the street in Algeciras, Cadiz, Andalusia

TBA

Carnaval de Cádiz 2027

Music and dance collectives, murgas and comparsas, participate in the main Carnival parade as it crosses the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

TBA

Carnaval of Las Palmas 2027

People celebrating shrove Monday parade in Cologne, Germany. This years theme has been "social jeck"

Feb 4 - 10

Cologne Carnival 2027

Aalborg Carnival 2017 is a colorful, imaginative and overwhelming experience which takes place every May with about 60,000 participants and 100,000 spectators, making the event Europe's largest international carnival parade.

Jun 5 - 14

Copenhagen Carnival 2026

Traditional carnival on shrove Saturday with traditional figures, known as kurent or korent in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Feb 3 - 9

Kurentovanje Carnival 2027

Woman in colorful costume smiling at the Leicester Caribbean Carnival parade

Aug 1

Leicester Caribbean Carnival 2026

Limoux Carnival - Limoux, France - March 5, 2016: Parade during Carnival of Limoux in France, the longest Carnival of the world.

Jan 10 - Mar 22

Limoux Carnival 2026

Female masqueraders in vibrant Carnival costumes dancing and enjoying the road at Luton Carnival 2025 in the UK.

May 24

Luton International Carnival 2026

Masked dancers in vibrant feathered costumes performing at Malta Carnival.

Feb 5 - 9

Malta Carnival 2027

Colorful carnival dancers in feathered costumes performing during the Munich Carnival Road March in Munich, Germany.

Jun 4 - 7

Munich Carnival 2026

Woman with a big smile enjoying the festivities at Notting Hill Carnival

Aug 30 - 31

Notting Hill Carnival 2026

Man and woman smiling in vibrant Carnival costumes surrounded by a festive crowd at the 2025 Prague Masopust celebration in the Czech Republic.

TBA

Prague Masopust 2027

Carnival dancers in vibrant costumes performing at the Caribbean Carnival parade in Rotterdam, Holland on July 26, 2008

Jul 24 - 25

Rotterdam Zomercarnaval 2026

Performer in ornate feathered costume at Verdenskarneval in Oslo, smiling and waving during the multicultural street parade.

May 25 - Jun 7

Verdenskarneval/World Carnival 2026

Overview of the Vienna Carnival crowd taken from the back of a truck during the Vienna Carnival Road March in July 2025, with revelers dancing in colorful costumes.

Jun 26 - 28

Vienna Carnival 2026

Want to know more about Carnival?

Group of masqueraders in bright feathered costumes dancing with confetti during Lucian Carnival parade

Travel Planning

Best Attractions & Tours to Book During Lucian Carnival 2026

Planning Lucian Carnival 2026? Explore, compare, and book the best tours in Saint Lucia, from waterfalls and mud baths to ATV rides and bamboo rafting.

Crowd dancing in colorful feather costumes during Munich Carnival street parade, vibrant carnival atmosphere with masqueraders and festival energy

Where to Stay

Where to Stay for Munich Carnival 2026: Best Hotels Near the Action

Find the best places to stay for Munich Carnival 2026, with a focus on central hotels near Stachus, Hauptbahnhof, and the city-centre parade zone. This guide breaks down where to book for the best mix of parade-day access, public transport, and overall carnival convenience.

Steelpan band performing live at Luton Carnival in the UK with multiple players on steel drums

Carnival Culture & Facts

What Is Steelpan Music? History, Culture & Carnival Connection

Discover the origins, culture, and global impact of steelpan music, the heartbeat of Caribbean Carnival, and why this unique instrument defines the Carnival experience.