Notting Hill who? Soak up all the culture, music and vibes at these carnival events happening around the world.
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Carnival of Acireale
Location: Sicily, Italy
Date: 31/01/26 – 17/02/26
Set between Mount Etna and the sea, the Carnival of Acireale is hailed as the most beautiful in Sicily, blending baroque charm with vibrant tradition. Allegorical and flower-adorned floats, masked groups, and lively bands fill the streets in a dazzling parade, while skilled papier-mâché masters showcase intricate creations laced with wit and satire. The historic squares and ornate architecture provide a spectacular backdrop to this joyful celebration, making it one of the island’s most unmissable cultural events.
Apokries: Argostoli Carnival
Location: Kefalonia, Greece
Date: 01/02/26 – 22/02/26
The Argostoli Carnival is a vibrant highlight of Kefalonia’s Apokries season, taking place in February or March before Lent. The streets of the island’s capital burst into life with colorful floats, costumed groups, music, and dancing, often infused with playful satire on current events. After the lively parade, festivities continue with traditional Lenten fare, such as olives, vegetables, and the island’s famed Robola wine, creating a joyful blend of celebration and local flavor.
Goa Carnival
Location: Panaji, India
Date: 14/02/26 – 17/02/26
The Goa Carnival is India’s most vibrant celebration of the Western Christian tradition, bringing parades, music, dance, and colorful pageantry to the streets of Goa. Rooted in Portuguese heritage and reimagined in the 20th century to attract visitors, it has grown into one of Asia’s most distinctive carnivals. With its lively atmosphere, elaborate floats, and infectious energy, the event captures the spirit of Goa’s fusion of cultures. It’s a festive experience that blends tradition with revelry, drawing travelers from around the world.
Carnival of Corfu
Location: Corfu, Greece
Date: 15/02/26 – 02/03/26
Corfu Carnival is a vibrant celebration rooted in medieval traditions and heavily influenced by Venetian rule, known for its elaborate costumes, colorful masks, and festive atmosphere. Taking place in mid-February to early March, the island comes alive with parades, music, and dancing, attracting visitors from around the world. The highlight is the Great Parade through Liston and Spianada Square, where costumed groups fill the streets with energy and joy. Traditions like the mock wedding and the burning of King Carnival, symbolizing the purging of sins and marked by humorous satire, add a uniquely Corfiot flair to this exuberant event.
Maspalomas Carnival
Location: Maspalomas, Spain
Date: 10/03/26 – 22/03/26
The Carnival of Maspalomas is a vibrant and inclusive celebration that fills the streets of southern Gran Canaria with color, music, and wild costumes. Known for its open-minded spirit and lively atmosphere, this coastal carnival invites thousands to party beneath the sun, near the island’s iconic dunes. Highlights include beachside festivities and the spectacular Grand Carnival Parade, making it one of Spain’s most unforgettable carnival experiences.
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Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 28/10/2025
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