The Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Europe
Mardi Gras Across the Pond
In North America, Mardi Gras—or Carnival as it’s known in many places around the world—is most famously associated with the cities of New Orleans and Mobile, with myriad celebrations taking place all over the country. Have you ever wondered where the tradition of throwing a pre-Lenten party started though? Most of it can be traced back to Europe and rest assured that the Continent still knows how to throw a bash each year around this time. Venice and its masked parties may be well known around the world, but there are a handful more places that deserve consideration as the perfect destination to liven up your next winter off-season trip to Europe. Click on the slideshow to see 10 of the best.
Cadiz, Spain
Pack your best costume and rest up for street fiestas that last well into the morning at Spain’s most famous Carnival party. Located on the far southwest part of the country, coastal Cadiz is always a great destination but during Carnival, it comes alive with unmatched energy. Carnival lasts for 11 days and is known for its multiple colorful parades and beloved groups of performers that roam the streets singing tunes that skewer current events and Spanish politicians. There are also plenty of outdoor events dedicated to local food & drink.
Binche, Belgium
This town in the French-speaking Wallonia section of Belgium is so renowned for its Carnival that its version of events was enshrined as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Cultural importance aside, it’s just really fun to see guys dressed up in a unique “Gilles” costume adorned with ostrich feathers march through town and chuck oranges (in a friendly way) at the crowd. There are also fireworks and multiple “round dances” in the town square at this Belgian bash which takes place on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) before Lent each year.
Nice, France
The biggest winter fair in the South of France, Carnival in Nice is renowned for parties on the street and parades full of musical performers, illuminated floats and showers of colorful flowers. The most famous events are the Opening Parade, the Parade of Lights and the Parde of Flowers—the festival’s most anticipated happening where tons of flowers are thrown to the crowds. Don’t leave without gobbling down a few ganses, which are sweet, beignet-style deep-fried pastries.
Maastricht, The Netherlands
From the moment that the flag of the “Prince of Fools” (the ceremonial leader of Carnival) is raised over the town square on Sunday to the last notes of the Zate Hermeniekes brass bands play on Fat Tuesday, Maastricht becomes the biggest party in The Netherlands. Expect lively processions throughout the town and costumed revelry around every corner during the three days before Lent in this lovely riverside town in the far south of the country.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
A Rio-style Carnival that sees folks from all over the world flying to the Canary Islands, Carnival in the island of Tenerife’s largest city Santa Cruz is easily the most flamboyant and thrilling in Europe. Taking place over two weeks leading up to the start of Lent, Carnival includes events like the crowning of the Carnival Queens, musical contests, kaleidoscopic parades and street parties that last until sunrise. After all the celebrating, Ash Wednesday sees the unique Burial of the Sardine, a mournful parade that ends in the burning of a paper mache sardine to symbolize the end of the festivities.
Basel, Switzerland
Taking place over 72 hours exactly the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Ash Wednesday, Basel’s celebrations—called Fasnacht—are Switzerland’s biggest and best Carnival. The festivities kick off at 4 a.m. with a dramatic parade of pipers & drummers illuminated by lanterns and fill the next three days with satirical songs, more parade, masked revelry and lots and lots of confetti.
Patras, Greece
Home to the largest Carnival in Greece, Patras parties for weeks in the lead-up to Clean Monday, which is the start of Great Lent in the Orthodox church. Expect plenty of parades, extravagant floats, masquerade balls, an organized treasure hunt and a remarkable Closing Ceremony punctuated by the burning of the Carnival King float.
Viareggio, Italy
Viareggio becomes Tuscany’s most popular town at Carnival time when its remarkable paper mache floats tower above the crowds below during the multiple parades. Taking place over weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, Fat Tuesday itself and the Saturday afterward, Viareggio Carnival fills the days with merriment and delectable food (seafood & fried goodies are the favorites) and the evenings with costume parties.
Cologne, Germany
In Cologne, the “Crazy Days” of Carnival kick-off on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday and continue all the way through midnight of Fat Tuesday when the party promptly ends with the burning of a symbolic straw man named “Nubbel”. During the party, the city is taken over by costumed revelers drinking kolsch beer and parades marching through the streets and you’re more than invited to get in on the fun.
Venice, Italy
No round-up of Mardi Gras events in Europe would be complete without Venice, a city synonymous with mystery and romance and one known the world over for its Carnival. Spend your days admiring street performances in St. Mark’s Square and admiring fellow revelers’ head-to-toe costumes, and your nights slinking around a Venetian palace at a masquerade ball.