Carnival is a worldwide celebration

In the Netherlands, Carnival is celebrated from February 14 to February 17, 2026. The highlight is traditionally in the south of the country (North Brabant (Oeteldonk / 's-Hertogenbosch, Kruikenstad / Tilburg, Lampegat / Eindhoven, Kielegat / Breda) and Limburg), but there are also parades outside these areas. Many celebrations start as early as February 12 or 13 and last until Ash Wednesday, February 18. Do you celebrate Carnival in the south or in your own municipality? What do you know about Carnival in the rest of the world?

Carnival worldwide

Carnival is indeed a worldwide, exuberant folk festival that blends traditions of togetherness, dressing up, and parades, often preceding the Catholic Lent. Although its origins lie in Europe, the celebrations vary widely: from the large-scale Samba Carnival in Brazil to the masked balls in Venice and parades in the Caribbean. Key features and global differences: Origin & MeaningCarnival is originally a Catholic festival, during which people go all out one last time before the Lenten period (40 days without meat). It presumably dates back to the Middle Ages. Italy, but shows similarities with ancient pagan spring festivals and the Roman Saturnalia. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro): Famous for the spectacular samba parades, colorful floats, and extravagant costumes in the Sambadrome.

EuropeIn the Netherlands and Belgium, it is known for the parades, dressing up, and the YoungCapital “Feast of Fools” in cities and villages, often starting with the handing over of the key to the city to the Carnival Prince. In Germany is also celebrated on a grand scale. Carnival, a tradition that in Liechtenstein is celebrated extensively. “Carnival” comes from Middle High German and literally means the night before the start of the Christian Lent. With these colorful stamps, we want to draw attention to this typical tradition of the region. Shortly after New Year's, many venues are decorated and the first masked balls and parades begin. A highlight is the international parade (CHF 1,00) in Schaan with more than 1600 participants.

In the past, on Shrove Tuesday, young people would try to lure housewives away from their soup kettles (CHF 1,20) to steal the kettle or the roast. This custom is hardly practiced in Liechtenstein nowadays. In contrast, “Guggamusik” (CHF 1,90) is very popular: musical groups in extravagant costumes providing a loud and eerily beautiful backdrop for many events and giving grandiose monster concerts. There are no limits to the imagination when it comes to costumes and masks (CHF 2,50). Italy (Venice): Known for the mysterious, refined masks and historical costumes that parade through the narrow streets and along canals. the Caribbean: Colorful and rhythmic, with strong influences from music and dance.

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The carnival on Sint Maarten (Dutch part) is a large-scale, multi-week event, known as one of the longest in the Caribbean, which typically takes place from mid-April to early May. It includes colorful parades, Calypso shows, 'jump-ups' (parades through the streets), and performances in the 'Carnival Village' in Philipsburg.

Carnival on Aruba It is a dazzling month-long celebration of spectacles, music competitions, street parties, and spectacular parades that brighten up and unite the entire country. All year round, locals look forward to the captivating carnival procession and the sounds of calypso, the cheerful sound trucks, the glitter costumes, the magnificent floats, the crowning of the carnival queen, and the hip-swaying madness. The carnival season begins on January 5 and lasts until March 5. During this period, various parades can be admired, and people can dance and sing along to Aruban carnival music.  

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Previous Carnival blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/carnaval/