Not sure which to visit? We'll help you decide...
Everyone enjoys a carnival's party atmosphere, for a few days you can dress as you want and be whoever you want, while blaming it all on the carnival festivities. The roots of carnival go back centuries, but despite changes over time it remains an event close to our hearts. Europe hosts many carnivals, each with distinctive characteristics, tempting us to visit and experience them at firsthand. Don't hang around - these are the best European carnivals to head to in 2016!
VENICE
Venice's carnival is unforgettable, dating back to around 1200, and is the inspiration for carnivals across Europe. St Mark's Square is transformed into an open-air ballroom under the magnificent star-filled night sky.
Revellers take to the streets in gorgeous vintage clothing, or original carnival creations.Release your imagination and design your own costume, or go stress-free by hiring one!
IVREA
Maybe you've heard of Ivrea's Battle of the Oranges? This unique carnival has its origins in the Middle Ages and needs to be visited at least once in your life.
It recalls a period of rebellion against tyranny, so bear this in mind and pick your costume carefully!
NICE
Did you know that Nice holds the oldest carnival in France?
Beautifully masked participants, including the Carnival King, crowd onto floats that parade along the Promenade des Anglais, holding the Battle of Flowers en-route. Here masked characters throw lilies, daisies and mimosas into the watching crowds.
BREMEN
Bremen's Samba Karneval began in 1986 when a Samba dancing group decided to celebrate the end of Winter and welcome Spring.
So what do you think about this crazy situation - a celebration in Bremen resembling the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival? Bremen Carnival is definitely not the place to head if you're on a diet, read here why!
LISBON
If getting to Rio de Janeiro is too difficult, then visit Lisbon and enjoy its Carnival of Villani.
Pre-dating Rio's carnival, this is celebrated with confetti, masks and original costumes.
LAS PALMAS
Santa Cruz, Tenerife, celebrates Spain's most famous carnival, but the lesser known one of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is just as beautiful, and the oldest one on the Canary Isles.
Marvel at its Gala Queen, best mask competitions and street entertainers.
COLOGNE
Jungfrau, Virgo and Prinz open Cologne Carnival on the dot of 11:11 on its first Thursday.
To prolong celebrations, beer cellars and bars stay open all night. Boys beware! During the Carnival of Women - girls wander the city cutting off men's ties!
MAASTRICHT
Holland's carnival season starts at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th November, although the main celebrations, with parades, floats, masked dancers and streets flowing with beer, are held in March and February.
On carnival's last day, celebration symbols are burnt in preparation for Lent. On this day women don't have to cook...making it a party day for them!
Which of these European carnivals will you choose to visit?
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