Carnival season. Photo: Shutterstock The world's carnivals are about to end. In Venice, the carnival of masks has already ended, while in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, it will reach its peak tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The highlight of the Rio Carnival is the "Victory Parade," in which the world-famous samba schools that have ranked first throughout the carnival return for a final, spectacular, triumphant performance.
Photo: ShutterstockUnlike the tense competition nights, the parade on the final day is relaxed and festive, as participants and schools are already in their graduation ceremonies and have just come to have fun. The whole city continues the celebrations with crazy street parties with live music, colorful costumes, and crowds of revelers from all over the world who just want to drag out the biggest celebration on earth a little longer.
Athens is currently celebrating the "Apokries", a traditional and colorful three-week Greek carnival preceding Easter. Athens, along with various locations in Crete and other regions of Greece, will host a full-blown carnival this Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Photo: ShutterstockA colorful parade will pass through the city center, accompanied by orchestras, drum bands, and dancers. After the procession, parties will begin in the squares and at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (SNFCC). Festive parties will also be held in hotels and bars well into the night.
Almost every evening of the month, the Nice Carnival held festive events. But the most dazzling event of all, the "Parade of Lights," will only take place three more times before the end of the season, on Saturday, February 21, Tuesday, February 24, and Saturday, February 28.
Photo: ShutterstockOn each of these evenings, the streets will be decorated with beautiful lights, and music will be heard in the distance, creating a very impressive multimedia show with extravagant paper-mâché floats, vibrant flower battles, and street performances.
Please note that on some days admission is free, while on others it costs 7-14 euros per person, depending on where you want to sit or stand. Children under 6 enter free of charge. For children ages 6-12, the admission price is 5 euros.