PARTY TIME

No need to jet off to Rio – here are the best carnivals you can go to in Europe

There are carnival celebrations all over Europe, from Spain to Switzerland

Qin Xie

Published: 17:55, 4 Mar 2019
Updated: 17:56, 4 Mar 2019

CARNIVAL season in Rio de Janeiro has just begun, with festivities taking place until the end of this week.

But if Brazil is too far away for you to jet off to, you may want to visit some of the great ones in Europe.

There are carnival celebrations all over EuropeCredit: Getty - Contributor

All taking place around the beginning of lent, you can find celebrations across the continent, ranging from Spain and Italy to Switzerland and Belgium.

So if you're jetting off in the next few days or planning a trip for next year, here are a few carnivals around Europe you might wan to try.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife's carnival features a big parade with different themes each yearCredit: EPA

The public has voted for a sea theme this yearCredit: AFP or licensors

The huge carnival in Tenerife has already begun and is scheduled to run until March 10.

This year's theme is The Deep Sea, which was chosen by public vote.

There are several events planned, including a big parade in on March 5.

There's also a day-time carnival taking place on March 9.

Carnival of Cadiz

Cadiz's carnival is one of the biggest in AndaluciaCredit: AFP - Getty

There are official activities but the public are encouraged to dress up as wellCredit: AFP - Getty

The is one of the biggest in the region of Andalucia.

It dates back to the 16th century and borrows many of its traditions from the one in Venice.

This year, it's taking place between February 28 and March 10 with parades all over the city.

Basel Carnival

Basel Fasnacht features some unusual costumesCredit: Getty - Contributor

The distinctive characters are in fact repeated every yearCredit: Getty - Contributor

Also known as the Basel Fasnacht, the carnival in Basel, Switzerland, is taking place from March 11 to 13 this year.

The first event starts at 4am, in total darkness, with the procession lit by lantern, and then there are parades at various times over the weekend.

The entire festivity is so unusual that it has been inducted into the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list.

Carnival of Binche

No one knows for sure of the origins of Binche carnivalCredit: Getty - Contributor

The carnival is unusual enough to be Unesco-listedCredit: Getty - Contributor

The , Belgium, is another one that's in the Unesco list.

This year it's taking place on March 3 to 5, and there are usually pre-carnival activities in the days leading up to the main event.

While the origins of the carnival are not clear, there are very specific processions that take place year after year.

Acireale Carnival

Acireale is one of the biggest carnivals in SicilyCredit: Getty - Contributor

There are various parades and concerts taking placeCredit: Getty - Contributor

The in Sicily is one of the most well known and dates back to the 16th century.

Historically, people would throw oranges and lemons as part of the celebrations but that tradition has long been banned.

This year, the carnival is running until March 5, with various parades and public concerts taking place.

La Palma Carnival

One of the main events is Los IndianosCredit: Getty - Contributor

Carnival goers are encouraged to throw talcum powder at each otherCredit: Getty - Contributor

One of the most well known activities of the La Palma Carnival is the Fiesta de los Indianos, as tribute to the emigrants of the island who returned from the Americas with great wealth.

The main event takes place in Santa Cruz, with everyone dressed in white - partly in order so they can throw talcum powder over each other.