We’ve just come back from a short trip to Ptuj in Slovenia for Kurentovanje (carnival). We saw the the UNESCO listed “Kurent” traditional costumes, lively folk dances, and various parades feautring both traditional and modern costumes. It was amazing, highly recommend it.
I’ve been thinking of checking out Trenčín in Slovakia, since it’s the European capital of culture this year, along with Oulu in Finland.
What festivals, events, and celebrations will you be attending this year?
@DomiTravelini I’m currently in Lisbon and there are festivals happening all over Portugal around this time of year — especially the traditional Carnival celebrations in many towns.
I absolutely love festivals, so it’s such a fun atmosphere to experience.
In June, Lisbon will be celebrating the Santos Populares (Popular Saints festivals), especially Santo António. The whole city fills with street parties, music, grilled sardines and decorations — it’s one of the best times to be here
I live around Lisbon and absolutely agree that the Santos Parties are amazing. Guaranteed to have a good time. And it goes on for a few weeks with every day a different party in a different neighborhood or city. Small town are sometimes the best as the whole community comes together (old and young) and dance and sing, eat and drink, and celebrate.
I make sure to go back home to Austria to my hometown every year for the traditional Krampus Festival in December. I just love the atmosphere and the childhood memories it brings back. Seeing all these people dressed up in demon costumes with chains and wooden sticks is crazy but it’s just such a unique event. And nowadays, they make it very kid friendly as well, no as crazy anymore like back in the day.
I love Brazilian Carnival, which is happening right now. This year I’m not there, but I have experienced different kinds of festivities in different locations. The official ones are happening in the Sambodromes (the most famous are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), where you can experience the music and art expression of the samba schools. And there are, of course, the street carnival parties, which happen in almost every city across the country. The festivities begin on Friday afternoon and end on Ash Wednesday before noon.
@TrailBlazrMarc Absolutely! And the weather is perfect at that time. I love to be in small towns in carnival time 
@FatosPur @TrailBlazrMarc I still haven’t been to Portugal, but it’s been on my list for so long! Thanks for the suggestion 
Any festivities in Portugal in spring or fall you’d recommend? (trying to avoid the heat!)
@TrailBlazrMarc The Krampus Festival is quite an experience, both exciting and spooky haha. Great suggestion!
@traveler_tali I’d love to experience the Brazilian Carnival! I’m a big soccer (football) fan, so I’d definitely want to go to a match or two while I’m there 
I’ve done Rio Carnival and Olinda.
Can’t beat Brazil.
Carnival in Europe at this time of year is ridiculous; way too cold.
Me likey shorts and t-shirt.
I’m heading to the Obby Oss festival in Padstow (England) in May! It’s a Celtic/Folk festival that has been happening for hundreds of years on May Day. My Dad grew up in Padstow and used to go as a child, I’ve always wanted to see it. It involves dances, drums, processions, 2 Obby Oss hobby ‘Horses’ (wooden) - where you need to pick a side of either red or blue. I will be on the Blue side as per family tradition!
If you’ve ever watched the 70’s Wicker Man movie - the closing May Day montages were of this festival (yes - pagan horror vibes 
). I think it will be an interesting experience, I’m fascinated by these ancient rituals!
So great to hear about these other festivals in different parts of the world and where everyone is going this year!
@DomiTravelini If you ever come in June, the Santos Populares — especially the Santo António Festival — are incredibly fun! The whole city turns into one big street party.
They grill sardines everywhere in the streets — I have to admit, the smell is… strong — but the atmosphere is amazing. Every neighborhood has its own decorations, music, and different events, so it feels like you’re discovering something new at every corner.
If you decide to visit during that time, you’re very welcome here! 