The events described in this article have taken place.

Each year, before Lent, carnival brings music, color, and cultural pride to cities around the world. Between January and March 2026, millions of people gathered to celebrate traditions rooted in history, identity, and artistic expression. From South America to the Caribbean and Europe, carnival transformed streets into vibrant stages of dance, costumes, and unity.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (February 13 – 18, 2026)

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro took place from February 13 to 18, 2026. Known as the world’s largest carnival, it featured samba schools parading in the Sambadrome with elaborate costumes and floats. Street parties, or blocos, brought millions of people together across the city. The event showcased the cultural richness of Brazil.

Venice, Italy (January 31 – February 17, 2026)

The Carnival of Venice ran from January 31 to February 17, 2026. Participants wore elegant masks and Renaissance-style costumes, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The celebration highlighted the artistic and historical heritage of Italy.

New Orleans, USA (February 17, 2026)

Mardi Gras in New Orleans reached its peak on February 17, 2026. Parades organized by krewes filled the streets with floats, jazz music, and festive traditions. The event reflected the city’s unique blend of French, African, and Caribbean influences.

Trinidad and Tobago (February 16 – 17, 2026)

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago took place on February 16 and 17, 2026. Revelers danced to Soca and Calypso music while wearing colorful costumes. The traditional J’ouvert celebration marked the beginning of the festivities at dawn.

Haiti (February 15 – 17, 2026)

In Haiti, Carnival 2026 culminated during the Jours Gras from February 15 to 17, with parades, musical floats, and street celebrations in cities such as Port-au-Prince and Jacmel. Launched on January 18 under the theme “Ayiti Devan!”, the festivities highlighted Haiti’s artistic traditions, including Jacmel’s famous papier-mâché masks. Despite ongoing challenges, the carnival reflected the country’s cultural resilience. The celebration also extended to the diaspora. The Haitian Carnival Weekend was held from March 20 to 22, 2026, at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach. It brought Haitian music and traditions to international audiences.

Major European Carnivals (January to March 2026)

Several major carnivals also took place across Europe:

• Cologne Carnival in Germany (February 12-17, 2026).
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in Spain (January 16 – February 22, 2026)
• Nice Carnival in France (February 11- March 1st, 2026).

In 2026, carnival once again united millions of people across continents. These celebrations did not only entertain but also preserved cultural traditions, expressed identity, and brought communities together. Around the world, carnival remains one of humanity’s most powerful and joyful cultural events.

Corrected on 2 October 2026. An earlier version of this article gave the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival as 31 January to 1 March 2026 and the Haitian Carnival Weekend in Lake Worth Beach as 19 to 22 March 2026. The Tenerife Carnival ran from its 16 January opening to 22 February 2026, and the Haitian Carnival Weekend was held from 20 to 22 March 2026 at John Prince Park.

Sources consulted

RTVC, Fechas del Carnaval de Canarias 2026
Eventbrite, Haitian Carnival Weekend 2026
Monaco Hebdo, Carnaval de Nice 2026, vive la Reine, du 11 février au 1er mars
Venice Events, Venice Carnival 2026 official dates