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 Vevčani Carnival 2026/2027 – Masked Carnival in North Macedonia
Vevčani Carnival 2027 takes place on 13 and 14 January 2027 in the village of Vevčani, North Macedonia. This free masked village carnival for the Julian New Year blends over 1,400 years of tradition with improvisation and social satire across the whole settlement.
Illustrative photo Entroido de Xinzo de Limia 2027 – Spain’s Longest Carnival in Galicia
Entroido de Xinzo de Limia 2027 (16 January–14 February) is Spain’s longest carnival, held in the historic centre of Xinzo de Limia, Galicia. Free street festivities with Pantallas, flour battles, Oleiro and the grand parade on 9 February span five weeks of tradition.
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 Rijeka Carnival 2027 – Riječki karneval in Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka Carnival 2027 (Riječki karneval) runs from 17 January to 10 February 2027 in Rijeka. Highlights include the Queen Pageant on 22 January, the Children’s Parade on 30 January and the 44th International Carnival Parade on 7 February on the Korzo – one of Croatia’s major carnival events, free for street spectators.
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 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 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 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 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.