The Best Carnivals in Europe

Mardi Gras is one of the biggest festivals, but Europe has its own carnival season that centers around the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The Guardian has put together some of the best. 

One is in Dunkirk, France, and is known as one of the biggest parties in France. 

“Shrove Tuesday’s giant parade of colorful and cheeky costumes and a 60-strong band dressed as fishermen has a unique local twist involving 450kg of herring. So avoid the town hall if you don’t want to get pelted with fish,” writes Isabel Choat. 

Look to Italy for a good food fight. Taking place on the Feb. 26 in the town of Ivrea, this is festival involves the throwing of oranges. 

“They are the weapon of choice in a re-enactment of a battle that took place between locals and Napoleonic troops in the early 19th century. The citrussy tussle is followed by a parade of floats and music groups,” says Choat. 

Early risers may want to head to Basel, Switzerland, around March 6-9. The festival attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year. 

READ MORE: 4 American Cities Besides NOLA That Throw Epic Mardi Gras Celebrations 

“Mind you, the festivities kick-off early – and promptly – at 4am with the Morgenstreich (morning stroke) when all lights are switched off and about 200 ensembles start making their way through the city centre, lit by hand-painted lanterns,” notes Choat. 

For more carnival celebrations, read on here.