Looking for a great European escape that's a little bit more on the wild side? Then Carnival celebrations going on February 11th-22nd world-wide, including all over Europe, may be just what you're looking for!
Like the American Mardi-Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Carnival is a celebration immediately preceding the start of lent. It is a festive celebration, or days of celebrations, where party goers often revel in the streets, many times in masquerade.
There are varying degrees of Carnival entertainment throughout Europe! Some celebrations are only on the Tuesday before lent, known as "Fat Tuesday" in America and others last several days before the start of lent.
There are several celebrations going on throughout Europe but the most popular Carnival celebrations are those found in Italy, France, Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.
One of the most popular Carnival celebrations in Italy can be found in Venice. The Venetian masquerades and street parades that occur February 11th-21st are festive and it's the only time of year you can sample frittelle, a type of doughnut only made for Carnival. Face painting, masks (a central feature of the Venetian Carnival), and hats are among the most popular attire and full-dress costumes are highly recommended! There are several events held throughout the city, including events run by English Speaking companies like Venice Events, a British Italian company, but tickets sell-out fast!!
In France the biggest, and most well-known, Carnival events take place in Nice and Paris. The Nice Carnival event dates back all the way to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest, if not the oldest. The colorful parades that take place in this little town along the French Riviera are world renowned. This year's theme for the Nice Carnival is "Kings of Sports" in anticipation of the London 2012 Olympic Games! The Paris Carnival has a very long history in the French Capital. It too dates back to around the 13th century. Carnival has had as tumultuous a history in the capital city as the city of Paris has gone through itself. Carnival celebrations were restarted in 1997 by various Parisian cultural groups and will mainly take place on the 19th of February, with a grand street parade and celebrations throughout the city.
Carnival in the Netherlands is also known as Vastenavond or Vastelaovend, and celebrated predominantly in the southern regions of the country where there is a large Catholic population. Carnival in the Netherlands will mainly be held on the 18th-21st of February, with most of the celebrations taking place on the 19th, with large street festivals, parades, and parties. One of the main features of the Dutch Carnival is the Carnival Prince, who has control of the city for three days where he celebrates with his subjects the establishment of the "Kingdom of Fools"!
In Spain the most famous locales for Carnival are Santa Cruz, Las Palmas, Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Tarragona, Solsona, Cádiz, Badajoz, Bielsa (an ancestral Carnival celebration), Plan, San Juan de Plan, Laza, Verín, Viana and Xinzo de Limia. Carnival festivals will be held throughout Spain from the 14th of February through the 26th of February. Carnival celebrations in Spain can also be found in the Catalonia capital city of Barcelona. These celebrations in Barcelona are a little more subdued than some of the other celebrations across Spain, but for those looking for the more clownish Carnival celebrations they're not very far away!
Carnival in Portugal is actually the birthplace of the traditions that were passed along to Brazil, host of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world! Each region of Portugal puts their own unique spin on the Carnival festivities, but almost all of them include bright costumes, parades, and street festivals and parties. Most Carnival celebrations in Portugal will be taking place the 18th-21st of February. Carnival celebrations on the Portuguese island of Madeira are among the most colorful of the Carnivals celebrated in Portugal!
No matter where you decide to go, or if you decide to travel around Europe going to different Carnival celebrations it will be quite an adventure!! This adventure is not recommended for families traveling with children due to both the very large crowds partying in the streets and the large quantities of alcohol that are usually close to hand!! Carnival is not for the faint of heart and is definitely one of the more adventurous European adventures! But if you're up for the journey your sure to have an amazing time that you'll never forget! Safe and happy travels!!
Comments