February 2026 will unite the world in the rhythm of the planet's most vibrant carnivals, from fiery samba to exquisite historical masks. Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Tenerife, and Barranquilla are preparing unique programs that combine traditions, large-scale parades, and a true festive atmosphere. Learn more about the most spectacular carnivals of February 2026

February 2026 will be a special month for fans of large-scale cultural events: four countries, namely Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Colombia, will hold their most famous carnivals. Each of these celebrations has its own centuries-old tradition, unique character, and program that attracts millions of guests from all over the world.

This article provides detailed information about the dates, key events, and features of the carnivals in Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Barranquilla, as well as practical advice for those who are already planning a trip.

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Rio de Janeiro: samba, streets, and Sambadrome

The carnival in Rio de Janeiro is considered the largest in the world. Its roots lie in the intertwining of African, Portuguese, and indigenous Brazilian traditions, which over time have merged into one powerful cultural phenomenon. The center of the official program is Sambadrome, a specially built avenue over 700 meters long, where samba schools from different parts of the city showcase their performances every year. Each school prepares a theme in advance: develops a script, sews thousands of costumes, builds massive platforms, and rehearses choreography for months.

The parades at Sambadrome are competitions. Schools are evaluated on their music, dance, costumes, platform design, and overall harmony of the performance. But the carnival in Rio is not limited to the official stands, because at the same time, blocos — spontaneous street parties — take place throughout the city, filling Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa, and dozens of other neighborhoods with live music and dancing. In February 2026, the Rio Carnival will run from February 13 to 21. Special group parades will take place on February 15-17, and on February 21, the champions' parade will take place — the final chord of the celebrations.

Top 10 destinations for a vacation in Europe without unnecessary expenses — collected here.

Venice Carnival: masks, canals, and centuries of tradition

Venice attracts visitors with a completely different type of carnival — elegant, steeped in history, and shrouded in mystery. The first mentions of the Venetian Carnival date back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Over the centuries, it has experienced ups and downs and bans, but in the 20th century, it was revived and once again became one of the most famous festivals on the planet.

The main attribute of the Venetian Carnival is the mask. This tradition took shape in the 18th century, when masks allowed representatives of different social strata to communicate anonymously, freeing themselves from social boundaries. Among the most recognizable examples are the Bauta, with its characteristic protruding chin, and the Plague Doctor, with its long beak-like nose. Both images are still popular among carnival participants. Among the key events is the Volo dell'Angelo: a performer dressed as an angel descends on a rope from St. Mark's bell tower to the square, where thousands of spectators have gathered. A separate attraction is the water parade of decorated gondolas and boats along the Grand Canal. The 2026 Venice Carnival runs from January 31 to February 17, with the main events concentrated between February 7 and 17.

We talked about the 10 best walking routes in the world in our previous article.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife: a carnival at the crossroads of cultures

The carnival in the Canary Islands combines Spanish and Latin American traditions, making it unlike any other festival in Europe. The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife becomes the true epicenter of the holiday, which rivals the world's largest carnivals in scale. The geographical proximity of the Canary Islands to Latin America and Africa has left a noticeable mark on the music, dances, and rhythms that are heard during the celebrations.

One of the central events of the program is the Queen of Carnival Gala Concert, where participants showcase costumes of extraordinary complexity and artistic expression. The grand parade, scheduled for February 17, brings together thousands of dancers, artists, and city residents, who fill the streets along with tourists. It is important to note that the Tenerife Carnival maintains a deep connection with the local community: a significant portion of the participants are Canarians themselves, rather than invited artists. The overall duration of the 2026 carnival is from mid-January to February 22, with the most intense week falling on February 13-22.

Barranquilla: a carnival recognized by UNESCO

The Colombian carnival in Barranquilla differs from the previous three primarily in the degree of involvement of local residents. UNESCO has included it in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity, emphasizing the importance of this holiday for preserving Colombia's Caribbean identity. The carnival is based on a combination of three cultural traditions: European, African, and Native American, each of which is reflected in the music, choreography, and costumes.

The main artery of the carnival is Via 40, where the main parades take place. A special event is the Guacherna night parade: illuminated platforms, dancers, and musicians in traditional costumes create a spectacle unlike any other. The official opening ceremony marks the beginning of four days of celebrations. Unlike carnivals that are largely tourist-oriented, Barranquilla deliberately puts the community at the center of the organization: local residents themselves lead the preparations, rehearsals, and events. The 2026 carnival will take place from February 6 to 17, with the main events concentrated between February 14 and 17.

Read also: Hidden Portugal. 5 secret places for a peaceful and authentic vacation.

How to prepare for a trip to the carnival?

Tickets for the Sambadrome stands in Rio and hotels in Venice during Carnival sell out several months in advance. It is worth starting to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you want to attend specific events. Large carnivals attract millions of visitors, so accommodation prices rise significantly during the peak period.

An important aspect that is often overlooked when planning is travel insurance. During mass events, there is an increased risk of minor injuries, loss of belongings, or unexpected medical expenses. You can purchase reliable travel insurance for your trip on the Visit World portal — quickly, online, without unnecessary paperwork. An insurance policy from Visit World will cover medical expenses, help in case of emergencies, and give you the confidence that your trip will remain a pleasant memory.

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Reminder! Barcelona is preparing a special event for tourists and architecture enthusiasts — one of Europe's most famous shrines will be temporarily open to the public free of charge. This is a rare opportunity to see the legendary temple, which has been under construction for over a century, as it nears completion. For information about free admission to the Sagrada Familia and conditions of access for visitors to the city, follow the link.

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