The main carnivals in Europe include the Carnival of Binche in Belgium, the Rijeka Carnival in Croatia, Notting Hill Carnival in England, and Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. These carnivals feature parades, costumes, masks, music, dancing, competitions, and celebrations of the pre-Lenten season. The largest and most famous carnivals are the Carnevale di Venezia in Italy, Düsseldorf Carnival in Germany, and Le Carnaval de Nice in France, which attract many visitors each year and involve grand processions and masquerade balls.

1. MAIN CARNIVALS IN EUROPE
The Carnival of Binche (Belgium)
Many parts of Belgium celebrate Carnival, typically with costume parades, partying and
fireworks.The Carnival of Binche has a history dating back at least to the 14th century. Parades are
held over the three days before Lent; the most important participants are the Gilles, who go out in
traditional costumes on Shrove Tuesday and throw blood oranges to the crowd. In 2003, the
Carnival of Binche was recognised as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage
of Humanity.
The Rijeka Carnival (Croatia)
The most famous Croatian Carnival also called "maškare" is the Rijeka Carnival, during which the
mayor of Rijeka hands over the keys to the city to the Carnival master and the spirit of the Carnival
takes over completely. The festival includes several different events, culminating on the final
Sunday in a masked procession including participants from many different countries.Masks are
central to the Carnival celebration, and worn to many of the festivities, including concerts and
parties.
Notting Hill Carnival (England)
Notting Hill Carnival is an annual occasion of England, which takes place on the streets of Notting
Hill, London in August every year, for two days, since 1965. In England carnival has attracted many
people in the past, making it the second largest street event in the world. Notting Hill Carnival
came in England from Trinidad, where the first Caribbean carnival was held in 1833.
Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, CanaryIslands
The Santa Cruz Carnival in Tenerife takes place between 12th and 22nd February 2010 and
involves parties, feasts, parades, competitions and much more. Among the groups in the parades
are the mascarillas, who wears masks; murgas, bands who play satitical songs; comparasas, dance
groups; and rondallas, groups of singers. One important part of the carnival is the election of a
carnival queen, which is shown on television and watched with great anticipation. The highly
elaborate queens’ dresses are sponsored by large local companies, and many are so big that they
have built-in wheels to allow the queens to move.
Le Carnaval de Nice, France
Every February Nice in the south of France holds a major carnival (Le Carnaval de Nice). This
features many parades, including the flower battles, as well as a variety of other activities. The
costumes and floats are amazing, and those that take place at night at brightly illuminated. This
carnival take place between 12th and 28th February.

2. MAIN CARNIVALS IN EUROPE
Carnival, Carnaval, or Carnivale is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main
events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade
combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or
masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.
Carnevale di Venezia, Italy
The Venice Carnival runs from 6th to 16th Feburary 2010
consists of grand balls, concerts, dances, parades and other events. The participants tend
to wear elaborate costumes and masks, and traditionally people would spend a lot of time
making their own costumes,.
The Carnival began in the 12th century and is the highlight of Venice's year.Carnival is the
big winter festival that is celebrated in all parts of the country with parades, masquerade
balls, entertainment, and parties.
Düsseldorf Carnival, Germany
Many carnivals and costume balls are held in Düsseldorf between November and
February.
At the end of January, for example, there is a street carnival, Altweiberfastnacht, in the old
town (Altstadt) during which women take over the town hall.
In February there is a street carnival in Königsallee, and the Rosenmontagszug (Rose
Monday Parade), a big parade through the city centre of floats and people dressed in
fancy costumes. There is also much eating, drinking and dancing.
Rethymno Carnival, Greece
There is an annual carnival in Rethymno, Crete, involving parades, parties, fancy
costumes, music, dancing, theatre and a treasure hunt.
These events take place between 22nd January and 15th February in 2010.
SYDNEY - NEW SOUTH WALES
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is held each year at Easter time in the Sydney Showground,
Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay,
includes carnival shows, rodeo, stunts, races, competitions, fashion shows, food stalls, and
a showcase of new and popular products.
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
The Reef & Rainforest Carnivale, a celebration of the tropical north for 10 days includes
gourmet food & wine, art exhibitions, sporting events, masquerade parties, family fun
days and much more.
Centered in Port Douglas and surrounds, it is the perfect reason for taking that holiday in
the tropical north of Queensland. Happens in May.