November 10, 2011
Carnival: Europe’s Longest Festival
Why have a single festival when you can have a festive season? Europe’s got it all figured out and has learned how to maximize the fun by celebrating Carnival over several months. Carnival is actually celebrated all over the world, but several destinations in Europe embrace this festive season to the fullest in a series of fantastical events, traditions and parades. The historic roots of Carnival stretch deep into the Catholic religion. Today, Catholics and non-Catholics around the world come together to celebrate and parade through the streets. Carnival season stretches from November to February every year.
November 11, 2011 at 11:11am: The Carnival Season is officially open! The festivities are suspended for most of the holiday season and pick up again after New Years.
Fat Thursday, Feb 16 – Ash Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012: This week is when most of the fun happens. The spring season of Carnival is opened on Fat Thursday and this entire week is filled with Carnival activities. Parades, parties and lots of confetti thrown in the air.
On Fat Thursday, women all over Europe celebrate a tradition in their honor. Men, watch out, because on this day women storm the streets looking for any man with a tie. With scissors in hand, they cut off any man’s tie who has foolishly forgotten what day it is, and are allowed to kiss any man they please.
Rose Monday, Feb 20, 2012: Two days before Ash Wednesday, a massive parade takes place. Floats of all shapes, sizes and political messages roll through the streets and people dress up in elaborate costumes. This day is the pinnacle of the Carnival festivities.
Venice Carnival is famous for elaborate masks and fantastic costumes.
The largest Carnival celebrations in Europe take place in Cologne, Germany and Venice, Italy. Other notable European Carnival celebrations include Nice, France, and Patras, Greece. Carnival is celebrated virtually all over the world, but traditions and dates vary.
Carnival is one more reason to visit Europe this winter. Don’t miss out!
Photo credits: Venice Carnival, anja_johnson; Hold On To Your Hat, krossbow; parade, plancas67; Venice – Carnival 2011, iz4aks.
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SSmith posted on November 12, 2011 at 9:23 pm
It is November 12th. The entry page currently displays the message, “Sorry the contest is closed. Please go to iflynonstop.com for contest winner.” The contest was publicized as being open until November 14th.
Where does the problem lie – with the publicized date or with the website?
Jamie Kerr posted on November 14, 2011 at 10:14 am
The rules of the contest stated that the contest would be open until November 11th at 5pm. The winner will be announced next week.