Carnival fever 2025
Europe's quirkiest, most colourful and unmissable street celebrations
4 min read
Carnival in Rio might steal the spotlight, but Europe is home to a dazzling array of high-energy celebrations that rival the Brazilian spectacle—without the long-haul flight. From age-old traditions to full-blown street parties, European carnivals are a feast of colour, music and revelry.
Join us as we dive into five of the quirkiest, most fun and downright outrageous carnival celebrations across Europe. Trust us—you won’t want to miss these!
Basel, Switzerland: the unexpected one
Basel’s Carnival is unlike any other—a truly unique experience that transforms the city into a living, breathing work of art. For three days, Basel’s medieval old town becomes a surreal, almost mystical world (even if Switzerland might not be the first place you’d expect for this).
As the first drumbeats of the Morgestraich signal the start, darkness is pierced by the glow of hand-painted lanterns, carried by thousands of costumed flautists and drummers.
But this isn’t just a parade—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Basel’s culture. With creativity, wit and a sharp tongue, social and political issues are brought to life in a way only Basel Carnival can. Known affectionately as Frau Fasnacht, the event is a proud expression of the city’s identity. As the clock strikes 4 am on that first Monday after Ash Wednesday, Morgestraich begins, and the rhythm continues non-stop until the final Ändstraich at 4 am on Thursday. It’s an unmissable experience—both cultural and aesthetic—that will leave you captivated.
When?
10 – 12 March 2025
Milan, Italy: the extended one
Milan’s Carnevale Ambrosiano plays by its own rules. While most carnivals bow out on Shrove Tuesday, Milan keeps the revelry alive until Sabato Grasso, turning the city into a whirlwind of colour, music and masked spectacle.
At the heart of it all? Piazza del Duomo, where circus acts, street performers and extravagant parades electrify the historic centre. The air is thick with confetti—and the scent of chiacchiere, those crisp, sugar-dusted pastries that turn indulgence into an art. Rooted in legend yet thriving in the present, Milan’s carnival is a heady mix of tradition, rebellion and sheer joy.
When?
27 February – 8 March 2025
Barcelona, Spain: the playful one
If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Barcelona (as if you needed one), Carnival is the perfect time to experience the city at its most playful. Kicking off in late February, Barcelona bursts into a whirlwind of colour, music and pure celebration.
The festival begins on Fat Thursday with the grand arrival of Rey Carnestoltes, the mischievous Carnival King, setting the tone for days of exuberance. Expect vibrant parades, lively costume parties and community-led festivities in every neighbourhood—think street food competitions, traditional Coca de Llardons tastings and masked balls. The grand finale? The Burial of the Sardine, a quirky and theatrical farewell to the season before the city eases into Lent.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets or indulging in Barcelona’s famous culinary scene, Carnival is a time to let loose and embrace the city’s free-spirited energy.
When?
27 February – 3 March 2025
Cologne, Germany: the ultimate one
Ok, you’re probably unsurprised to see this one in the collection. And yes, it might be obvious choice in Carnival destinations—but it’s worth the hype.
Cologne is known for its fun-loving and sociable spirit at all times. But when Carnival hits, the city really comes alive with flying colours. From Weiberdonnerstag to Fat Tuesday, the streets overflow with confetti and festive chaos. The largest and oldest carnival parade in Germany features everything from costumed pedestrian groups to marching bands and extravagant floats.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. The whole week is one big party, with dances, parades and even a temporary loosening of drinking laws (responsibly, of course). Despite the 24-hour bar hopping, Carnival is also family-friendly, with special events and children’s parades for the younger crowd.
When?
27 February – 4 March 2025
Dusseldorf, Germany: the mischievous one
Düsseldorf’s ‘fifth season’ is anything but your average carnival—it’s an electrifying celebration that sweeps the city off its feet. When the Hoppeditz awakens, you can practically feel the excitement ripple through the streets as Düsseldorf transforms into one massive party. From the riotous Altweiberfastnacht, where women take control of the Rathaus (City Hall) with mischievous abandon, to the spectacular Rosenmontagszug, Germany’s second-largest carnival parade, this city knows how to throw a bash.
Picture yourself surrounded by vibrant costumes, clever floats packed with satirical humour and a buzzing energy that spills out of the glamorous Königsallee into the lively old town. Whether you’re on the sidelines soaking it all in, or right in the heart of the madness, Carnival in Düsseldorf is an unmissable blend of tradition, cheeky fun and sheer party energy. Get ready to let loose!
When?
27 February – 3 March 2025
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