Carnival · February
The most famous carnivals
The chirigotas of Cádiz, the carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the masks of Venice or Rio’s Sambadrome: the most famous carnivals and what makes each one special. Almost all of them take place in February, before Ash Wednesday.
Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides
In Spain
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SpainCádiz
The carnival of wit: chirigotas, comparsas and choirs in the streets, and the competition at the Gran Teatro Falla.
February
What to see in Cádiz -
SpainSanta Cruz de Tenerife
One of the biggest street carnivals in the world, with the election of the Queen and Tuesday’s grand parade.
February
What to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife -
SpainLas Palmas de Gran Canaria
Another of the great carnivals of the Canary Islands, with the Drag Gala and a party in Santa Catalina park.
February
What to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In Europe
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ItalyVenice
Masks and period costumes along canals and squares; the most elegant carnival in the world.
February
What to see in Venice -
GermanyCologne
Carnival starts on 11 November and explodes in February with parades and street parties.
From 11 November to February
What to see in Cologne -
EuropeBelgium
The carnival of Binche, with the Gilles and their feathered hats, is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
February
Belgium travel guide
Further afield
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BrazilRio de Janeiro
The samba schools in the Sambadrome and hundreds of street parades (blocos).
February
What to see in Rio de Janeiro -
BrazilSalvador
The carnival of the trios elétricos, the biggest street carnival in the world according to the city.
February
What to see in Salvador -
Cape VerdeMindelo
Cape Verde’s great carnival, with a Brazilian feel and group parades.
February
What to see in Mindelo
Frequently asked questions
When is carnival?
It’s held in the days before Ash Wednesday, which changes every year: almost always in February and, some years, in early March.
What is the most famous carnival in Spain?
Cádiz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the best known, and both have been declared of International Tourist Interest.
What’s the difference between the Cádiz and Tenerife carnivals?
Cádiz revolves around the lyrics: chirigotas and comparsas full of humour and satire. Tenerife is more about parades and partying: costumes, comparsas and the Carnival Queen.
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Reviewed 19 October 2026. Dates and seasonal warnings: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.
Cover photo: Joergsam (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.