It is known that for Russians, February is not a resort month at all. But for many residents of Europe and America, it is one of the brightest months of the year. The fact is that before the start of spring and Lent, due to the mixture of paganism and Christianity, carnivals take place in many countries. This is an unforgettable, fabulous, alluring spectacle that immerses you in a different reality: a riot of colors, music and mysterious rituals, fun dances and incredible costumes, lights and laughter. Those who want to spend February in exactly this rhythm, rather than knee-deep in the snow that has become tiresome over the previous months, are awaited by festive Europe and South America!
So, where to go on holiday in February first of all? Where are the most fiery and bright carnivals? The travel online magazine Conde Nast Traveller offers a selection of carnival cities where February is a month of fun and a riotous celebration of life. Let's start with European carnivals.
Venice... Who among us has not heard of the Venetian Carnival of Masks? This holiday has a thousand-year history and many authentic Italian traditions. Once there, you will fully immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of the Middle Ages (only without torture and the Inquisition). Both locals and tourists dress up in bright costumes, put on masks and take to the streets, teeming with other masqueraders, street actors, and performances by traveling circuses. When you come to the carnival, put on a mask and let it guide you, let it reveal the most unexpected and secret facets in you, open yourself to new impressions and getting to know yourself. The Venetian Carnival lasts from February 11 to 21.
Next we go to Spain, to the town of Ciudad Rodrigo, where from February 18 to 21 a carnival takes place, the main event of which is an ancient Spanish entertainment dating back more than five centuries – the running of the bulls. During the carnival in Ciudad Rodrigo, they celebrate the encierro – the actual running of the bulls, the capea – young bull fights, and the desencierro – herding the bulls after the run (after the encierro). The apotheosis is carnival Sunday and the "encierro a caballo" (mounted encierro), during which garrochistas (riders armed with a stick with a sharp tip – a garrocha) lead the bulls into the city.
In Greece, rich in traditions and quirks, in the town of Galaxidi on February 27, the Flour Carnival takes place, which would be better called flour fights without rules. On this day, residents of the city, wearing clothes they don't mind ruining, take to the streets and shoot each other with colored flour. Everyone and everything gets hit indiscriminately, making the city look like a big colored mountain of flour. It must be said that historical landmarks are covered with special protective screens during the battles, and shop windows and windows are taped over with film. When going out on this day, be prepared for several kilograms of flour to be poured on your head right from a balcony.
The tour of carnival Europe can be ended in Germany, Great Britain or Denmark. To cool down a bit before returning home. Denmark, whose attractions will be interesting even after the explosion of emotions at the carnival, is quite hospitable in winter, the climate is mild, in short, it is a great place for a quiet pastime after stormy dances, bull runs and flour fights.
South America is the most carnival part of the world, because Brazil is there, where in Rio de Janeiro the biggest and brightest carnival in the world takes place every year. The main highlight of the event is the samba marathon, danced by everyone dressed in the brightest and most amazing costumes. Samba schools hold their competitive performances, making the whole city look like a dancing, colorful ocean blazing with lights. The carnival in Rio lasts from February 18 to 21, and tickets and accommodation should be thought about in the fall.
In the Brazilian city of Paraty on February 18, a small (compared to the carnival in Rio) but peculiar carnival takes place: residents cover themselves from head to toe with therapeutic mud, put bull skulls on their heads, take bamboo sticks in their hands and parade through the streets in this guise. The spectacle is a bit eerie, but incredibly interesting.
In Bolivia, in the city of Oruro from February 17 to 22, a carnival takes place that was recognized by UNESCO as 'Oral and Visual Heritage of Humanity'. Thousands of dancers and musicians create an amazing festival for 20 hours, in whose kaleidoscope a huge number of movements, rhythms and colors mix.
_