1. The mask festival, Venice
Exuberant and creative, Italians express their feelings through art and gastronomy. Each region has its specifics, a fascinating universe worth exploring.
The famous Venice Film Festival resumes in its favorite masks characters from the theater, Pulcinella, Arlechino, or fantastic, allegorical, in an impressive variety of colors and decor.
2. Carnivals in Spain
In Spain, February is the month in which we can witness the most extravagant carnivals in the world. These are celebrated in different parts of the country, which follow different traditions to make these carnivals as pleasant as possible for visitors.
The Canary Islands, Cadiz, and Sitges are the cities where some of the most amazing carnivals in the world. Lots of people dressed in costumes as unusual and spectacular as possible sing and dance all night. Carnivals in Spain host interesting events, such as beauty contests, music performances, and various dance forms.
3. Vogel Gryff, Switzerland
Throughout the year, Switzerland has many traditional festivals. Here is a brief overview of some of them:
January: Vogel Gryff in Basel (New Year’s Eve and January 13), New Year’s Eve Kläusenacht in Urnäsch, near Appenzell, Lauberhorn World Cup – ski competition in Wengen that takes place in the middle of the month, and at the end of the month Inferno M huge ski slalom and International Hot Air Balloon Week in Chateaux d’Oeux.
4. Carnival of Dunkirk, France
The oldest and most famous festival in northern France, the Carnival of Dunkirk, brings good cheer and dance rhythms to the city.
The participants parade on the street in beautiful costumes, throwing candy at the participating audience. Giant characters such as Mother Reuse and Father Reuse are also highly anticipated by children and adults alike.
5. Carnival in Nice, France
6. Nothing Hill Carnival, Great Britain
Held every year on the last Sunday and the following Monday in August, this carnival is considered by many to be the most spectacular. The event attracts over one million people who watch the performances staged by 50 thousand artists. The festival’s first day (Sunday) is dedicated to children, and the second (Monday) to adults. On the streets, there are over 40 stations where you can listen to music and countless stands where you can buy Caribbean-specific dishes (spicy chicken, pies, etc.)
7. Koln Festival, Germany
The festival takes place in the week before the end of the century for Lent and officially begins at 11:11 in the morning, on November 11. Over one million people participate in the carnival and every day has a special program. Sunday and Monday are parades, Thursday is dedicated to women, and on Tuesday, people dress up in carnival costumes and participate in parades and parties in the city’s neighborhoods. A unique element is the caricature representations of politicians around the world, made of paper.
8. Binche Carnival, Belgium
