Four European destinations where Carnival is also celebrated in the streets

Carnival season presents an opportunity to travel and discover celebrations different from those typical in Latin America. Europe offers festivities with their own unique character, combining history, gastronomy, and urban heritage in singular settings. From historical celebrations to contemporary seaside events, cities like Venice, Tenerife, Sitges, and Basel offer diverse options for experiencing this time of year from a different cultural perspective.

Venice, Italy

The Venice Carnival is among the most traditional and elegant in the world. Renowned for its ornate masks, period costumes, and balls in historic palaces, the festivities extend throughout the city, with its epicenter in St. Mark's Square. In 2026, the celebration runs until February 17th and its theme is "Olympus: alle origini del gioco," inspired by the origins of games.

Unlike other celebrations, the Venetian festival takes place in winter and is characterized by a refined atmosphere, with symbolic parades, costume contests, and masked gatherings that evoke the city's history.

Tenerife, Spain

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is considered the largest in Europe and one of the most popular in the world. Recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it combines official competitions and street celebrations with thousands of costumed participants.

The 2026 edition takes place between January and March, with the main events in February, including the election of the Carnival Queen, the opening parade, and the traditional Burial of the Sardine. The final parade, known as the Grand Finale, is one of the most anticipated moments, bringing together troupes and floats in a massive spectacle.

Sitges, Spain

Located in Catalonia, Sitges hosts one of the oldest and liveliest carnivals in the country. Celebrated during the week before Ash Wednesday, it is distinguished by its festive, open, and inclusive atmosphere.

The streets fill with floats, music, and thousands of costumed participants, while the main parades—on Sunday and Tuesday—draw the largest crowds. The city is also renowned for its cultural diversity and for promoting inclusive celebrations, making it one of the most unique destinations at this time of year.

Basel, Switzerland

The Basel Carnival, known as Fasnacht, is the largest in Switzerland and offers a completely different experience. It begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4:00 a.m. with the traditional Morgestraich and continues for 72 continuous hours.

At its start, all the city lights are turned off, creating a unique atmosphere in which silent parades proceed illuminated only by hand-painted lanterns. The celebration is characterized by social and political satire, instrumental music, and the aesthetic of its troupes. Due to local Protestant tradition, it takes place a week later than most carnivals around the world.

How to get there

One of the airlines connecting Latin America with Europe is Air Europa, with flights from São Paulo and Salvador to Madrid, the airline's main hub. From the Spanish capital, it's possible to continue to cities near the aforementioned destinations, such as Venice and Tenerife, as well as Zurich—about 50 minutes from Basel—and Barcelona, ​​located approximately 40 minutes from Sitges.

The airline also offers a free stopover option in Madrid, allowing passengers to stop in the city during their outbound or return journey. It currently connects the Americas with over 40 European destinations through its network of connections.

Round-trip airfares from São Paulo start at approximately 4,600 reais to Venice, 5,600 reais to Tenerife, 4,600 reais to Barcelona (Sitges) and about 4,800 reais to Zurich (Basel).

The fleet consists of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, recognized for their energy efficiency, greater onboard comfort and lower environmental impact.