Illustrative photo Tar Barrels Ottery St Mary 2026 – Flaming Barrels, Program & Visitor Guide
On 5 November 2026, Ottery St Mary hosts one of England's most extraordinary traditions: local runners carry flaming tar barrels through packed streets in a custom stretching back over 400 years. Free entry, unmissable atmosphere.
Illustrative photo Cologne Carnival 11 November 2026 – Opening Day, Program & Visitor Guide
Join around 30,000 revellers at Heumarkt on 11 November 2026 for the official opening of Cologne Carnival. Live music from 9:00 AM, the legendary 11:11 AM countdown with confetti, and celebrations across the Old Town. Tickets from €39.
Illustrative photo Patras Carnival 2027 – Greece's Largest Carnival Festival
Patras Carnival 2027, Greece's largest carnival, runs from 17 January to 14 March. Experience weeks of parades, the legendary Bourboulia masked ball, the Children's Carnival and the Grand Parade on 14 March with up to 40,000 participants. Free entry to all main events.
Illustrative photo Tenerife Carnival 2027 – Program, Dates & Visitor Guide Santa Cruz
Tenerife Carnival 2027 runs from 22 January to 28 February under the theme «Roma Eterna». Highlights include the Queen Election Gala on 17 February, the Coso Apoteósico parade on 23 February and the legendary Entierro de la Sardina. One of the world's greatest carnivals.
Illustrative photo Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2027 – World's Second Largest Carnival in Santa Cruz
The Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2027 runs from 22 January to 28 February in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and ranks among the world’s largest carnivals. Galas, parades and the Burial of the Sardine on 24 February deliver an unforgettable spectacle of music, costumes and street parties.
Illustrative photo Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2027 – Program, Highlights & Visitor Guide
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival 2027 runs from 22 January to 28 February under the theme "Music". Five weeks of festivities include the Drag Queen Gala on 19 February, the Gran Cabalgata on 20 February and the symbolic Burial of the Sardine to close the season on 28 February.
Illustrative photo Carnival of Ovar – Program, Tickets & Visitor Guide
The Carnival of Ovar, known as Vitamina da Alegria, is one of Portugal's most vibrant festivals. Over three weeks, the town near Aveiro fills with colourful parades, samba nights, the Grande Noite Mágica and the iconic Noite Dominó. In 2027, the carnival closes on Tuesday 9 February.
Illustrative photo Rijeka Carnival 2027 – International Parade, Program & Visitor Guide
Rijeka's legendary carnival returns in 2027 with the Children's Parade on 30 January and the International Carnival Parade on 7 February, drawing over 100,000 spectators to Korzo for Croatia's biggest and most colourful street festival.
Illustrative photo Up Helly Aa 2027 – Viking Fire Festival in Lerwick, Shetland
On 26 January 2027, over 900 torchbearers in Viking costume march through the darkened streets of Lerwick and burn a hand-built longship in one of Europe's most spectacular fire festivals. The procession begins at 19:30 and is free to watch from the streets.
Illustrative photo Carnivale di Venezia 2027 – The Ultimate Masked Festival
The Carnivale di Venezia transforms Venice into a magical realm of masks, elaborate costumes, and historic balls from January 30 to February 9, 2027. Experience the world-famous festival firsthand at St. Mark's Square and throughout the lagoon city.
Illustrative photo Carnevale di Viareggio 2027 – Giant Floats & Carnival in Viareggio
Carnevale di Viareggio 2027 takes place from 30 January to 20 February along the seaside promenade of Viareggio. Giant papier-mâché floats, political satire and six major parades make it one of Italy’s most spectacular carnival events.
Illustrative photo Kurentovanje Ptuj 2027 – Program, Dates & Guide to Slovenia's UNESCO Carnival
The 67th Kurentovanje in Ptuj runs from 3 to 9 February 2027. Slovenia's UNESCO-listed carnival turns the country's oldest town into a living open-air museum, with traditional sheepskin-clad Kurents, an international parade on 7 February and a midnight fire ritual to open the season.