While many Carnival celebrations have been taking place over the last few weeks, this weekend (21 – 25 February) will see some of the biggest parades in Europe, as cities and towns across the region celebrate the annual festivities.
Street parties and over-the-top parades have been taking place across a number of European cities in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras – otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, which falls on 25 February this year.
Key European locations such as Cologne, Venice, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cologne, Nice and Cadiz will be going all-out to create an atmosphere of colour and fun, as will other major international Carnival locations, such as New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
As one of the biggest events in the European party calendar, the carnival and Mardi Gras market continues to grow every year. Despite – or because – it has no fixed date, Carnival is big business for party retailers, with elaborate costumes and extravagant décor, props and accessories making the celebrations a a focal point for party-goers looking to get into the party spirit.
Marketing manager for Dutch company OppoSuits, Michel Schrama, says that: “2020 is the year to shine! We have seen an increase in sales from non-carnival countries such as the Scandinavian countries and France/Spain as well as the usual suspects such as Germany and Holland. Due to some styles selling out in just a few days last year we have been pushing retailers to pre-order to help us make sure we deliver the desired quantities.”
Also from Holland, Boland Party is seeing Carnival interest growing internationally, as UK agent Mark Brett explains.
“In the UK more retailers are interested in the Carnival market,” he says. “There are many Carnivals in the UK – especially in the south west – yet as with other ‘costume’ occasions, the consumer is often turning to accessories. While most Carnival parade attendees still wear, purchase and make very flamboyant, intricate and exciting costumes, the onlookers in the crowd who are turning to accessories to join in the fun.”
