Carnivals in Europe are a fascinating mix of ancient traditions, cultural expressions, and seasonal celebrations. While each country and region has its own unique twist on the festivities, they are all rooted in the same general idea: a pre-Lenten celebration that marks the final days of indulgence before the more tranquil period of Lent in the Christian calendar.
Origins & Historical Roots of the Carnivals
The origins of carnivals in Europe have roots in ancient pagan festivals. Winter and its spirits had to be banished for summer to return. Carnivals can be seen as a rite of passage from darkness to light, as various Germanic tribes celebrated the return of daylight. These festivals often involved feasts, dancing, and rituals meant to encourage fertility. During Carnival, old Greeks and Romans temporarily lifted social obligations and hierarchies, allowing for the reversal of order, playful antics, and even indulgence.
As Christianity spread; these pre-spring festivals integrated into the church’s liturgical calendar. Carnival became associated with the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which is a period of fasting and reflection. This led to the tradition of feasting and celebration before the more solemn and restrained period of Lent.
Key Features of the Carnivals
Feasting & Indulgence
Traditionally, the Carnival feast was the last chance for common people to enjoy a hearty meal, as food supplies often dwindled by the end of winter. With stores running low, people could only eat basic meals until spring produce became available. In the days before fasting, they had to consume any remaining winter stores of lard, butter, and meat, as it would otherwise rot and decay. Consequentially, it was a chance to celebrate life, enjoy food, drink, and revelry before entering the more austere period of reflection.
Nowadays, traditional carnival foods include doughnuts, fritters, and fatty dishes.
Masks & Costumes
One of the most iconic features of European carnivals is the use of masks and costumes. Wearing masks allows people to temporarily take on a new identity, shedding social hierarchies and enjoying the freedom to act in ways they might not otherwise. The anonymous aspect often brings an element of wildness and carnivalesque misrule. Masks are often elaborate and made from a variety of materials such as wood, fabric, or papier-mâché. In some places, like Venice and Basel, masks are an art form in themselves.
Social Satire
Many carnivals feature satirical elements which mockingly criticise politics, current events, and social norms. For that reason, the carnival is often a space where people can express dissatisfaction or make fun of authorities in a socially acceptable way.
Tradition, music & dance
Nowadays, yearly carnivals are a way to preserve our ancestors traditions and folk customs. Music is always present on European carnivals, with marching bands, street performances, and folk music playing a central role. Additionally, dance is also an integral part of carnival culture, from structured dances to spontaneous street parties.
Effigies & Symbolism
In many carnivals, there is the tradition of burning an effigy (such as Pust in Ptuj or Fasching in Germany) to symbolise the end of winter and the triumph of spring. The effigy, somehow, represents the scapegoat for society’s misdeeds, and its destruction marks a new beginning.
Regional Variations in Carnivals
- Northern Europe: In countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, carnival traditions are often referred to as Fasching or Fastnacht. These celebrations include street parades, music, and costumes. In Basel, for example, the carnival starts with a parade of masked figures carrying lanterns. Additionally, there is also music parade which starts at 4 a.m in the morning.
- Southern Europe: In Italy, Spain, and France, carnivals are often marked by elaborate masquerades, grand balls, and highly stylised costumes. Venice is world-renowned for its historic masks and noble balls. The Nice Carnival in France features impressive flower battles and grand floats.
- Latin Influence: In Portugal and Spain, the carnival is a time for colourful and lively parades, street celebrations, and performances. For example, the Cadiz Carnival in Spain is known for its witty songs, while Lisbon and Porto in Portugal celebrate with music and dance.
- Eastern Europe: Carnivals in Eastern Europe often have deep ties to local folklore and pagan rituals. In countries like Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria, carnivals are filled with masks that represent ancient spirits and mythical creatures.
End of Carnival
Carnival traditionally ends with Fat Tuesday (also called Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, the final revelry takes place with parades, feasts, and parties. In many places, the carnival’s closing ceremony involves a symbolic act of purging the excess – burning an effigy, throwing away unwanted items, or similar rituals to mark the end of indulgence and the beginning of a more reflective period.
Famous European Carnivals
As mentioned, people celebrate carnivals mostly before Lent, therefore there celebration dates differ from year to year (somewhere in February or first half of March). Although, there are some exceptions, here we will focus on the winter carnivals.
Venice Carnival, Italy
Venice carnival is one of the most famous carnivals worldwide, known for its stunning masks, elaborate costumes, and grand balls. The carnival dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most luxurious and iconic in the world. Authorities forbidden it towards the end of 18th century and it gradually returned in 19th century. Nowadays, approximately three millions visitors come to Venice every year to enjoy this spectacular carnival.
Fun facts about Venetian masks:
- From 13th until 18th century Venetians disguised themselves whenever they wanted. This allowed them to escape from rules of their rigid class hierarchies.
- Maskmakers (mascherari) enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws.
- People with some specific occupations wore different masks. Plague doctors, for example, wore mask with long beak to prevent infection.
In 2025, carnival will take place between February 22 and March 4th with theme »In the time of Casanova«. There are many events with entrance fee, but also some free. Make sure that you book everything from accommodation, restaurants, attractions soon enough, since it is the most crowded time in Venice. Be patient when moving around and keep an eye to your children.
For detailed programme, check here.
Basel Carnival, Switzerland
The Basel Carnival is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and, moreover, the main Protestant carnival in the world. It is famous for its Morgestraich, a parade which starts at 4 a.m in the morning. Celebrated for three days when entire city goes wild. It has Celtic and Germanic origin. During the Reformation feasting and merrymaking was increasingly restricted or even banned. Consequentially, the Basel Fasnacht slowly evolved into a form of resistance against the city’s authorities. If you want to see some of the traditional costumes, such as Harlequin, Waggis and Dummpeter in 2025, you have to be there in Basel between March 10th and 12th.
If you want to know more, click here.
Nice Carnival, France
Held in the French Riviera, this carnival is famous for its huge flower battles, vibrant parades, and giant floats. It is one of the biggest carnivals in Europe.
Before the carnival kicks off, His Carnival Majesty (the float) makes a grand entrance at Place Masséna. This is an announcement of the start of the festivities by receiving the keys to the city. The King’s float is a standout creation, towering at around 15 meters high. If you want to see the carnival opening and this years King of oceans, you have to hurry, it is on February 15. You can buy tickets here.
In the evening, the floats adorned with stunning lights, transforming the entire scene into a dazzling display. The visual spectacle becomes even more breathtaking, accompanied by music which results in an incredible sound and light show.
The daytime carnival parade is the perfect choice for families and young children! Enjoy the vibrant parade of floats and giant heads while immersing yourself in a festive, colourful afternoon.
The Flower Parade features floats adorned with stunning floral arrangements, creating an elegant procession where characters in dazzling costumes, music, scents, and vibrant colours come together for the delight of spectators. Each year, carnival participants in elaborate costumes ride the floats, showering the crowd with beautiful flowers.
On March 1st, they burn the king, which reminds us on Valencian Las Fallas and Hogueras de San Juan.
Binche Carnival, Belgium
The Binche Carnival is over 600 years old, with origins in the Middle Ages. The carnival is famous for the Gilles, the men who dress in colourful clown-like costumes with wax masks and wooden footwear. In the morning of the carnival’s final day, as dawn breaks, the Gilles make their appearance in the centre of Binche, dancing to the beat of drums and using sticks to ward off evil spirits. Later in the day, they do not wear mask anymore, but large hats decorated with ostrich feathers. They carry baskets with oranges and throw them (in)to the crowd. Do not mind headache or broken window, since this is a gesture of good fortune. If you want some vitamin C and good fortune, stay in Binche from March 2nd to March 4th 2025. It is always nice to know more, so click here.
Cádiz Carnival, Spain
Cádiz’s carnival has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and has high cultural significance for Andalusia. This carnival is a massive street party with revellers dancing, singing, and celebration in a carefree atmosphere. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Cádiz’s Carnival are the chirigotas – satirical music groups that perform humorous, often politically charged songs. These groups dress in funny and colourful costumes, called “tipo”, and sing about current events, social issues, and local politics, with a heavy dose of wit and satire. If you want to hear them, be in Cadiz between February 27th and March 9th, 2025. Before you march towards Cádiz, click here to learn more.
Ptuj Carnival, Slovenia
The Ptuj Carnival (Ptujski Pust) is one of the oldest and most famous carnivals in Slovenia. It takes place in Ptuj, a historic town in northeastern Slovenia. One of the highlights of the Ptuj Carnival is the stunning array of costumes and masks worn by participants.
The most iconic and recognisable masks are the Kurenti or Koranti. They wear large sheep-skin coat with five cow bells attached around their waists. They carry a stick with hedgehog spines to “chase away winter” and evil spirits. Kurent is collecting kerchiefs from people – traditionally, in the past, single men were making kurent costumes by themselves and who got more kerchiefs from girls was believed to have the prettiest costume. The Kurents’ loud bells and vibrant, and their presence in the streets is a major spectacle. You can hear the sound of thousands Kurents attending traditional street parade across entire town.
There are two types of Kurent: feathered and horned. In the feathered type, the leather mask is surrounded by sheepskin, turkey or goose feathers and various coloured paper ribbons and flowers. In the case of the horned, the leather mask is surrounded by sheepskin, with real cow horns mounted on top.
There are different daily street events, where ethnographic masks present themselves, which is interesting for visitors of all ages. If you want to dance all night long, you should attend party with popular live music in the carnival tent. If you want your heartbeat to align with the sound of Kurents’ bells, go to the traditional carnival called Kurentovanje and visit the oldest town in Slovenia, this year between February 22 and March 4th.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
If you want to experience Brazilian kind of festival, book your flight and head to all year warm destination, Tenerife. The Tenerife Carnival has deep cultural roots, with origins dating back to the 18th century. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most important cultural events in the Canary Islands. In 1980, the carnival got recognition as an event of International Tourist Interest.
The Carnival Queen Election gala, one of the highlight events of the festivities, takes place on the Wednesday of the first week. In this stunning competition, all the candidates display their glamorous costumes that can weigh over a hundred kilos.
Once the queen is crowned, the official parade marking the beginning of the Carnival takes place on Friday. The streets come alive with thousands of people and dozens of musical groups, creating a vibrant, multi-coloured celebration of life and joy that lasts for hours. Over the next three days, the city is filled with music and fun as different carnival groups take to the streets, singing witty and satirical songs that tackle current social and political issues with a healthy dose of humour.
The grand finale occurs on Carnival Tuesday with “El Coso,” a spectacular parade that will leave everyone in awe. The following day, the Burial of the Sardine signals the end of the festivities: the Carnival spirit, symbolised by the sardine, is paraded through the streets on a funeral bier before being set ablaze, as inconsolable “widows” and mourners lament the loss. However, the true conclusion of the celebrations comes with the Piñata Chica over the weekend, filled with shows, dances, and smaller parades.
Carnivals in Europe are a colourful, energetic celebration of life, tradition, and community. Whether it is an elaborate mask of Venice, the political satire of Cádiz, or the ancient rites of Ptuj, carnival remains a time to celebrate freedom, creativity, and culture before the season of restraint. Many of the carnivals and traditional costumes have an honour to be on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Because we should cherish our customs and tradition, do not hesitate, put your costume on and let’s party. And do not forget to eat some donuts!
Most of the photographs are from Unspash, photographs of Tenerife carnival and Kurents are used with owners’ permissions.
