(1) February 7 – 16, 2025 – Winter Carnival in Quebec, Canada

From February 7 to 16, 2025, the 71st Winter Carnival in Quebec will take place, which promises to be a real feast for the eyes. For 10 days, the city is transformed into a real winter fairy tale of wonders, including numerous ice and snow sculptures, 100% made of snow Bonhomme Ice Palace, laser lights illuminate the Laser Game Evolution in the citadel of Quebec,  two enchanting night parades, and musical evenings in a fairytale setting. This is the biggest winter carnival in the world that you certainly don’t want to miss! More information can be found at: Carnaval de Québec
How to get there? Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) in Quebec is about 20 minutes from the city center and offers regular flights from major Canadian and American cities, and even Paris. There is a shuttle service from the airport to the city. The city can also be easily reached by train, bus, car and even boat.  which connected Montreal and Quebec.

(2) February 8, 2025 – Carnival in Viareggio, Italy

Viareggio is a town in northern Tuscany, Italy, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is known worldwide as the city of carnival. Every year, the parade brings together huge and lavish papier-mâché platforms that attract tourists from all over the world. More information about the parade can be found at https://viareggio.ilcarnevale.com/en/
 How to get there? Viareggio is on the road between Genoa and Rome, and can be easily visited by shuttle trains from Pisa, and the journey takes 15 minutes. The nearest airport is the one in Pisa.

(3) February 15 – March 2 Menton, France

Between February 15 and March 2, the world’s unique Fete du citron / Lemon Festival will take place, during which scented golden parades and night parades are held within 15 days, with lavish citrus platforms, and all kinds of exhibitions with lemon motifs. There will be also a craft fair and an Orchid Festival. More information can be found on www.fete-du-citron.com  
How to get there? Menton is located near the border between France and Italy and in many ways it is more Italian than French. As part of the French Riviera, the city is easily accessible by train from Monaco and Nice. Menton has interesting one-way streets, and it’s probably a good idea to park near the port, and not driving around the city.

(4) February 15 – March 2 Carnival in Nice, France

Two weeks of different celebrations will enliven the city of Nice – carnivals day and night, as well as the elegant parade of flowers, are just part of the rich program. Lavish platforms decorated under this year’s motto “King of the Seas and Oceans” will follow the rhythm of various musical groups from all over the world, all in a colorful, festive and family atmosphere.  https://www.nicecarnaval.com/end
How to get there? Nice Airport is one of the busiest airports in France, and it can be easily reached from Sofia with Wizz Air’s direct flights.

(5) February 22 – March 4, 2025 Carnival in Venice, Italy

The Carnival of Venice is best known for its masks. The carnival dates back to the Middle Ages, existed for several centuries until it was stopped in 1797. The tradition was resumed in 1979 and now the event attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually. The program of all street theater performances, acrobatics and other events can be found here www.visit-venice-italy.com/carnival-venice-italy-programme.html
How to get there? Venice is located on a lagoon, so water plays a crucial role in getting to the city. Whether you come to the airport from the train station or by water taxi, you will have to hike. Ryanair has direct flights from Sofia to Treviso Airport, but from November to the end of March 2025, they are suspended and resumed from April 2025.

(6) 22 February – 4 March 2025 Carnival in Oruro, Bolivia

The Oruro Carnival is a religious and cultural festival that has been held in Oruro, Bolivia since the 18th century. Today, the carnival is part of the UNESCO Intangible Human Heritage. During the festival, more than 48 folk dance groups, specializing in 18 different folk dances, perform a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary in the form of a traditional parade. https://www.boliviaturismo.com.bo/carnaval-oruro-2025.html
How to get there? Oruro is located at about 3710 meters above sea level, in the very heart of the mountain. In the eastern part of the city is the Juan Mendoza Airport (ORU), which has an extremely high altitude. Another option to get to the city is by bus from the capital La Paz, which takes about 3-4 hours.  From Bulgaria probably the most convenient flights are  Sofia-Istanbul-Bogotá-La Paz or Sofia-Paris-Bogotá-La Paz.

(7) 26 February – 9 March 2025 Carnival in Madeira, Portugal

They call Madeira – the pearl of the Atlantic, and undoubtedly, its carnival is the icing on the cake in the island’s festival calendar. During the event the whole island is filled with liveliness and many celebrations, and the famous parades such as Cortejo Alegorico and the satirical Cortejo Trapalhao are held. On 28.02.2025, the festivities begin with a Children’s Parade at 10:30 a.m., and at 2:30 p.m. they continue with the Carnival of Solidarity near the Cathedral and the Municipal Garden, where all the people will be challenged to join the party. The full program of the carnival can be seen at the Madeira Carnival 2025 Programme
How to get there? The main airport on the island is called Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) and is located 30 minutes from the main town of Funchal. Many cruise ships also stop on the island.

(8) 27 February – 9 March 2025 Carnival in Cadiz, Spain

Cádiz is located on the Atlantic coast and is nicknamed the “Silver Kettle” due to its unique shape and position on a narrow strip of land. The city literally smokes during its carnival, which is known all over the world as a huge street party. Eleven days of continuous fun, originality and most of all mass participation. The whole city is transformed and the streets are filled with people www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiestas-carnival-cadiz/
How to get there? The nearest airport to the city is Jerez de la Frontera, which is 35 minutes by car or taxi, or 1 hour by train. Cruise ships also stop within walking distance, with their passengers usually heading to Seville. Ferries depart from Cadiz to the Canary Islands.

(9) February 27 – March 5, 2025 – Carnival in Cologne, Germany

The Cologne Street Carnival is a unique folklore festival in the Rhineland that enchants millions of visitors every year. It is called the “fifth season” of the year, starting every year on Thursdays at 11:11 a.m. at the old Alter Markt and continuing until the evening of Violet Tuesday. A week before the carnivals, the famous Geisterzug “ghost parade” takes place, which has a political touch. www.cologne-tourism.com/experiences-lifestyle/carnival
How to get there? Cologne Bonn Airport is about 15 minutes from the city, and Ryanair has direct flights to and from Sofia.

(10) 28 February – 9 March 2025 Carnival in Tenerife, Spain

One of the largest carnivals in the world is held annually in the capital of the island of Tenerife – Santa Cruz and impresses with the beautiful and sophisticated costumes of the candidates for Queen of the Carnival. Music fills the streets, rhythms lead people and joyful waves flood the entire island. More information can be found at www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiestas-carnival-santa-cruz-tenerife/
 How to get there? The island can be reached by water (by cruise ship or ferry) or by air, and there are two airports – Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) near Los Cristianos and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) to La Laguna. Various buses depart from the airports to the main cities of the island.

(11) February 28 – March 8, 2025 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Undoubtedly, this is the largest carnival on earth. It is believed that it dates back to 1723, and was introduced by Portuguese colonists, inspired by the Portuguese festival Entrudo. Gradually, over time, the influence of African cultures brought new music and dance to Brazil, and the mixture of Portuguese and African culture created what is today the largest and most famous carnival in the world. www.riocarnaval.org
How to get there? Galeão International Airport is 20 km north of the city and most planes from Europe land there. Probably the most convenient way to get from Sofia to Rio is with a transfer in Frankfurt.