CARNIVAL: THE MOST FAMOUS CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD - HOW IS IT IN EUROPE?

One of the aspects that most demonstrate people's culture, are its traditional festivals, which even those that take place worldwide, are different in each region. In this way, you will get to know about carnival, the world's biggest party, and the main European cities where it is celebrated. However, first, let's watch a video about the origins of this celebration.

Now that you've understood about the history of this party, I will show you the most successful European carnival cities: 

VENICE - ITALY: I'll begin with Venezia's carnival, one of the oldest of the world: it happened for the first time in 1094, and is characterized by the use of masks, a custom originated in the 21st century by noble people to make possible to mix themselves with the rest of the population, leading to the parades and masks competitions of nowadays, that happen in February.

BINCHE - BELGIUM: Considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Binche carnival, in the south of Brussels, dates back to Middle Ages traditions. It also happens in February, and the main character typical of the party is Giles, who during the parades, usually throw oranges at people as a symbol of good luck!

RIJEKA - CROATIA: With street dancing, concerts and masquerade balls, Rijeka, in the Bay of Kvarner, is the carnival capital of Croatia. The top of the event is the international carnival parade with floats, pyrotechnic shows and costumes competition, in addition to the presence of "Zvoncari", masked men, dressed in animal skins, who dance and ring bells to ward off the evil spirits.

COLOGNE - GERMANY: For Colonians, the celebration starts in November, but it is in February that the "crazy days" happen. The climax of the event takes place on "Monday of the Roses" (Rosenmontag), with a lively parade including distribution of sweets and flowers.

NICE - FRANCE: Located on the French Riviera, the city organizes one of the largest events in the region. With the theme ''The King of Energy'', it happens in February, doing parades with floats, giant dolls and lots of lights.

SITGES - SPAIN: On the south of Barcelona, it is one of the most popular gay destinations in the Mediterranean. It is from February to March, with dance performances and parades through the streets. The highlights of the party are the Carnival king and queen, and the "burial of the sardine", a parade that imitates the funeral procession, which ends with fireworks and the burning of a symbolic sardine.

LUCERNE - SWITZERLAND: The carnival in this city, during February, has held the "Fritschi" parade since the 15th century, whose main character is the elderly man. The most famous attraction are the ''Guggemuusige'', improvised bands dressed in masks, playing current music on perscussion instruments.


Fascinating, isn't it? In relation to all these carnivals, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the one in Venice, and in Brazil, my native country 💓. But how about you, have you gone to any of them? If not, come on... Life is only one, so don't miss the opportunity to have this experience, I'm sure you will have a lot of fun!