Experience the energy of the best carnivals in Europe & America

We all like celebrations, but when they are colorful and joyful, they are better. This is the case of carnivals, an ancient pagan festival linked to Christianity to mark the period before Lent. Its name comes from the Latin “Carne Levante”, referring to the practice of abstaining from eating meat during that period. But today it has become a celebration that symbolizes joy and freedom and is one of the most exciting times of the year for those who love parties. Where music, dances and costumes are synonymous with fun in the months of February, March and Agust, making this festival one of the most popular in the world.

Top 7 must-see European carnivals

Carnival of Venice (Italy)

This is one of the words famous carnivals in the world, and maybe the best carnival in Europe, which history dates back to the 12th century but its annually celebrated since 1979. It’s known for its elegant atmosphere where masks and costumes remind us of the aristocratic festivals of the region. These carnivals last more than two weeks, and while they celebrate, it is common to see people dressed in costumes throughout Venice. Since this festival takes place in different squares of the city and is made up of the following parties:

• Festa Veneziana sull'acqua: This is a gondola parade along the Grand Canal held on the first Saturday of Carnival.
• Feast of the Marys: It takes place in Piazza San Marco during the second Saturday of the carnival at dusk, and it features the 12 most beautiful girls in Venice in 16th century costumes.
• Volo dell'angelo: In Piazza San Marco itself, the winner of the Festival of the Marys flies from the bell tower to the center of the square, making it an unforgettable moment during the second Sunday of carnival.
• The Prize to the most beautiful Carnival mask: This takes place on the last Sunday of Carnival (usually there are 3).

Keep in mind that to enjoy the carnival comfortably, we recommend staying in any of the 4 and 5 star hotels options offered by NH Hotels. These hotels in Venice offer elegance and modernism located around the city. From there you can access all the festivities that make up this celebration, and you can calmly return to your refuge when you feel tired.

Carnevale di Viareggio (Italy)

The Carnevale di Viareggio has been celebrated every year since 1873. Located in the coastal city of Viareggio in the Tuscany region, it’s known for its parades of allegorical floats depicting large political and social satires. In addition, it is very representative because of the flowers thrown from the floats and the fireworks at the end of the celebration.

This event takes place on Viale Regina Margherita and maintains a very authentic Italian nature. If you want to live this beautiful experience, we recommend staying at NH Pisa, 30 minutes by car or train from Viareggio. This will allow you to maximize your budget, because this is a very popular tourist attraction, plus you can tour this beautiful area of Italy, even getting to know the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Do not hesitate to consider this 4-star hotel because it offers comfortable rooms, is pet friendly, and is strategically located in front of the train station.

Carnival of Nice (France)

This is one of the largest carnivals in Europe, held in the city of Nice specifically on the Promenade des Anglais on the Côte d'Azur since 1294. This carnival is one of the oldest in the world, and it’s celebrated at the end of February and beginning of March. It’s also known for the “Batailles de Fleurs” or battles of flowers that are thrown from the floats towards the public.

The first day of the carnival is free, but the rest of the days they have tickets that are around €35 for two days of shows. Although if you go dress with a costume you can enter for free in the hallway of Place Masséna. Don't miss the opportunity to see this series of shows, remember that you can arrive from Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport or even by train from cities like Paris or Monaco. Check out our hotels in Nice to spend a formidable trip.

Cologne Carnival (Germany)

This carnival is very significant because the first time it was celebrated took place in 1823 as a protest against the Prussian occupation of Cologne. Where people dressed in pompous military uniforms as a form of mockery of the Prussian symbol. So don't be surprised by the black humor that is perceived in this celebration, because you maybe see floats with politicians represented as demons. But this party is also to express pride of Cologne, for living there, and for being different.

It takes place for a week in the month of February, beginning on Thursday with Weiberfastnacht, the day in which women assume the main role of the festivities after receiving the keys to the city. Then the float parade known as Rosenmontag or Rose Monday takes place. You can also find different parties and concerts in the main places where the carnival is celebrated such as Alter Markt or the Old Square, Heymarkt Square, the Cologne Cathedral called Kölner Dom, and Zülpicher Strasse.

To get to this Carnival, you can fly into Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) or connect with Eurocity trains from other European cities. If you're coming from cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Berlin, you can take the InterCity Express high-speed train or the Regional Express trains. All these trains arrive at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), which is very close to the main points of interest in the city. If you are looking to spend the night, you can book in one of our hotels in Cologne.

Maastricht (The Netherlands)

Another European celebration takes place in the Netherlands is the Maastricht carnival. This magic festival, and one of the best carnivals in Europe, takes place over three days, starting on Sunday at the Vrijthof at 11:11 in the morning. There the Momus cannon resounds, marking the beginning of the festivities while the Mooswief doll appears like the soul of the carnival until Tuesday night. But that's not all, that same Sunday afternoon, the Groete Optoch (grand parade) begins its journey from Wyck to the city center, continuing like a street carnival party until late into the night.

On Monday, the fun continues for the whole family as Vrijthof transforms into a family friendly stage, with poet sessions, parades and the marching dance called Rijaloet. And on Tuesday, the final day of the carnival, there are also exciting events like a marching band competition, and at midnight there is a ceremony to lower the Mooswief doll to mark the end of the carnival.

To get to Maastricht you can do it by bus or Intercity Direct (IC) train from Amsterdam and other cities in the Netherlands, or even countries like Belgium and Germany. Or you can check the available connections to Maastricht-Aken Airport (MST), which is the closest. Check our hotel in Maastricht, NH Maastricht hotel, to stay in one of the best hotels of the city close to the carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival (London)

It is celebrated at another time of the year dating back to 1966 in the city of London, specifically in the streets of the Notting Hill neighborhood. It’s celebrated for two days, the Bank Holiday Monday in August and the Sunday before. And there the capital's Black history year-round is commemorated at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton and during Black History Month in London.

It takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park and Kensal Road. You can get there from Bayswater, High Street Kensington, Paddington, Queen's Park and Shepherd's Bush tube stations. However, keep in mind that some of these stations function as just one exit, or are closed by the crowd. Consider taking bus lines 7, 23, 27, 28, 70, 452 and 328, which have stops near Notting Hill. One of the best options to stay during the carnival is the hotel nhow London.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival (Spain)

This is another of the most popular carnivals in Europe. It is like the celebrations of Brazil, but this one is in Spain! The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife take place during the months of February and March, but the most important celebrations occur in one week of February. These take place in the Plaza Weyler, Plaza Príncipe and La Candelaria. Where you can see parades full of floats, concerts, DJs and troupes that animate the street parties.

One of the most anticipated moments is the election of the Carnival queen. Then, two days later, the Burial of the Sardine takes place, which will be burned at the end of the route as a symbol of purification before Holy Week. That accompanies on the walk of thousands of people of all ages mixed with the troupes and musical groups through the capital of the island. To finally, end the celebration in the official “Piñata” weekend with fireworks show.

Don’t hesitate to schedule your trip for the next season in one of our hotels in Tenerife, arriving through the two airports in the city of Tenerife North - Los Rodeos (TFN) and Tenerife SUR (TFS). With direct bus connections from the airports to the city of Santa Cruz.

Best Carnival in South America

West Indian Day Parade Carnival (United States)

In the case of carnivals in America, we have several special celebrations such as The West Indian Day Parade Carnival in New York City. Located at Crown Heights neighborhood, it’s a celebration of West Indian culture on the first Monday of September, usually around Labor Day. This event is organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), and there participants reward the best self-made costume. Inspired by elements of nature, mythical creatures, popular culture, among other very creative ones.

Also, you will enjoy the music of different bands while the parade runs along the Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue and ends at Grand Army Plaza. Attracting between one and three million participants and spectators during the last week of August. If you’re already book your trip, and want to know how to get to Crown Heights in Brooklyn quickly. We recommend using the 2 or 3 subway lines to the Franklin Avenue - Medgar Evers College station. Line A also serves you to the Nostrand Avenue station, or line F to the Franklin Avenue station is a few minutes walk away from the carnival. One of the best options to relax and rest is the hotel NH Collection New York Madison Avenue.

The Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia)

This carnival was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is one of the largest festivities in Colombia. It lasts 4 days, being those that precede Lent, and symbolizes the celebration of Colombian culture with a wide repertoire of dances and expressions. Also, the most-see experiences are the Carnival Queen, who represents the festive and cultural spirit of the event. The Battle of Flowers, which is one of the most important parades in the country. Including the Orchestra Festival, where the best tropical music groups perform its shows for a massive audience.

If you schedule this trip, get ready to experience what the locals call “Quien lo vive lo disfruta” (who lives it enjoys it). You can get to this carnival in South America from the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, taking place specifically on Calle 84, the Metropolitan Stadium, Parque de la 84 and the center of Barranquilla. So you can attend all these points of interest using the Transmetro system, which is one of the main areas of the city. We recommend you to book in our hotel NH Collection Barranquilla Smartsuites Royal.

The Flowers Festival (Colombia)

This celebration takes place in Medellin, Colombia, in the first week of August. There, you can experience the joy and fun of the carnival in areas like Parque Lleras in Poblado and La 70, where Salsa music takes the streets. Combining the celebration of life with the colorful harvest of flowers from local producers. Likewise, the Medellín Botanical Garden is filled with cultural activities and musical performances those days, making it a key place to enjoy that atmosphere. But this carnival is also celebrated in different shopping centers, and parks in the city. You shouldn’t miss our hotel NH Collection Medellín Royal to enjoy the following shows if you want to live the authentic experience of the Colombian carnival.

• Silleteros Parade: A parade of flower producers that takes place in the rural area of Santa Elena, where the producers carry their best crops on their backs to show them.
• Horse Fair: Where you can see beautiful horses and understand equine competitions.
• Festival of Orchestras: There you can attend different concerts by the most famous orchestras in Colombia.
• Classic Car Parade: An incredible classic car show that will make you travel through time without leaving Medellin.
• Trova Festival: Where you can be a spectator of improvisation battles by local and international artists.
• Noise on Wheels: a unique car and music competition that will fill you with energy.
• Dog Walk: This is one of the most adorable carnival parades where pets and owners dress up to celebrate the carnival season.

The Buenos Aires Carnival (Argentina)

On the other hand, the Buenos Aires carnival is one of the most colorful in the region. There, the city's neighborhoods are toured by dancer’s troupes and musicians, offering a cheerful perspective of Argentine culture. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to put this carnival on your travel itinerary. Come here to dance to the rhythm of candombe and murga; rhythms dominated by drums and theatricality that mix Afro-Argentine culture, samba and tango.

Explore the carnival in La Boca, San Telmo, Puerto Madero and Almagro using the Subway in one route. This way you won't miss shows like the parades in La Boca on Avenida Don Pedro de Mendoza. Or you can enjoy San Telmo, where you will find tango shows, comparsas and live music in Plaza Dorrego. Check out our hotels in Buenos Aires to choose your favorite one and enjoy this amazing carnival.

Santiago del Estero Carnival (Argentina)

This is another emblematic carnival in South America in the northwest of Argentina, which celebrates Indigenous and European traditions for 2 weeks in February. This carnival is taking place in the main streets and avenues of the city such as Sarmiento and 9 de Julio. Also in La Costanera del Rio Dulce, where outdoor events and concerts are held in a cultural, relaxed and festive environment. In addition, you can enjoy music shows and murgas (an artistic genre that combines theater and music) in the South Park Amphitheater.

There are also several shows and spectacles that the community organizes such as the Carnival parades, the Siesta Carnival at the Casa de la Abuela Carabajal in La Banda, the Family Carnival at the Olympic Cycling Club in La Banda, as well as the celebrations in Termas of Rio Hondo. There you will know unique traditions that date back to indigenous celebrations of Mother Earth which were mixed with European beliefs. You can stay in our hotel NH Santiago del Estero to experience the best of this carnival.

Conclusions

If you love popular celebrations, enjoy a good time, and want to learn everything about a new culture, you should book a carnival trip to any of the top destinations that we just listed in this travel guide. Because carnivals, whether in Germany, Argentina, France, Italy, or Colombia, are the best seasonal parties in the world.

From the best carnival in Europe to the best carnival in South America, these events are the perfect excuse to celebrate joy and humor to the sound of traditional music from the city you want to explore. Don't be left wanting and schedule your trip right now!

FAQ’s

What can you expect from European Carnivals?

European carnivals are traditions of each locality where life, joy, and humor are celebrated before the season of reflection and sacrifice in the Christian religion.

Where did Carnival originally come from?

Carnival comes from the Christian tradition where the consumption of meat is abstained prior to the period of Lent and deep reflection.

What does Carnival symbolize?

The symbolism of carnival changes according to the traditions of each region, such as liberation and disinhibition, collective catharsis, renewal, ancestral rituals, and connection with nature, among others.

What is the largest carnival in the world?

In addition to the South American carnival of Rio de Janeiro, several carnivals, such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain, can be considered the largest carnivals in the world.

What is the most famous carnival in Europe?

The Venice Carnival is often considered as the most famous and one of the best carnival in Europe, known for its elegance, history and legendaries venetian masks.

Is Notting Hill Carnival the largest carnival in Europe?

Yes, the Notting Hill Carnival is considered the largest in Europe with more than 2 million visitors on its streets.