The most famous carnivals in the coming months display an explosion of color, music, masks, feathers, and detailed costumes. These elements turn streets into open-air stages. Carnival is one of the oldest and most universal celebrations. It pauses everyday routines. Its roots lie in lunar cycles and Christian traditions before Lent. Dates change every year. The central themes of joy, mixed cultures, and visual shows stay the same.
Carnivals differ by location. They range from massive parades to elegant masked traditions. Events offer everything from high-energy street parties to historical symbols. No single carnival is the best. The choice depends on a desire for spectacles, tradition, elegance, or deep cultural history. Yet several famous festivals consistently attract millions of visitors.
Four famous carnivals happen in February. Most occur in February 2026, and each has a distinct style.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival (Brazil)
No list of famous carnivals is complete without Rio de Janeiro. Many call it the greatest show on Earth. Portuguese colonial roots mix African and indigenous styles. This blend created a famous samba festival.
The Sambadrome is the center. Top samba schools compete there in detailed parades. They present huge floats, bright costumes, new music, and exact dance steps. Over 100 schools take part. Judges watch them before large crowds. Samba schools unite neighborhoods across social lines. Artisans and dancers join together.
Outside the stadium, the city hosts blocos. These unplanned street parties fill beaches and squares. Areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa see nonstop music and dancing until dawn.
2026 dates: February 13 to 21. The main Special Group parades happen at night on February 15 through 17. Access Group events occur earlier. The Champions Parade is on February 21.
Venice Carnival (Italy)
The Venice Carnival offers a different experience. It focuses on tradition and elegance near the canals and old architecture. It is one of the oldest recorded carnivals. Its origins date to the 11th century. Official status came in 1296. The event peaked in the 18th century. Masks let social classes mix without names which allowed for satire and freedom.
Famous masks like the Bauta and plague doctor came from special shops. Napoleon banned the festival after the Republic fell in 1797. It returned in 1979. Organized events now mix history and tourism.
Key events include the Grand Canal water parade. An "angel" flies from St. Mark's Campanile during the Volo dell'Angelo. St. Mark's Square hosts mask contests. People eat traditional sweets like frittelle.
2026 dates: January 31 to February 17. Main events start on February 7. These include the Festa delle Marie procession. Closing ceremonies run from February 15 to 17.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of Europe's largest and most famous carnivals. It is a festival of international tourist interest. The capital of the Canary Islands holds parades and concerts for two weeks. Groups compete and celebrate in the streets, thousands of people wear costumes. They fill the streets for events day and night. Galas choose the Carnival Queen. One concert set a Guinness record with over 200,000 dancers. The nearby Las Palmas Carnival also attracts visitors.
2026 dates: Mid-January to February 22. The peak street period is February 13 to 22. Key moments include the Opening Parade on February 13. The Grand Parade is on February 17, or Carnival Tuesday. The theme "Latin Rhythms" guides costumes and dances.
Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia)
In Latin America, the Barranquilla Carnival is notable for its deep cultural value and is recognized by UNESCO since 2003 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It began in 19th-century traditions. The festival mixes European, African, and indigenous styles in a lively Caribbean display.
Parades move along Via 40 with troupes, dances, folk groups, and music. Key events include the Proclamation reading and the nighttime Guacherna parade with lights and folklore. The focus remains on community participation rather than just tourism.
2026 dates: Early festivities start near the beginning of February. The Guacherna happens on February 6. The main days are February 14–17. This long weekend includes busy parades and events.
These carnivals offer different ways to celebrate but they share a common trait. They invite you to join with joy and creativity. You might prefer Rio's energy, Venice's mystery, Tenerife's size, or Barranquilla's history. February 2026 provides memorable experiences in these famous carnival spots, but plan early. The rooms and tickets sell out quickly.
