A Campervan adventure among the most spectacular February events in Italy and Europe
February is synonymous with Carnival: one of the liveliest, most colourful and best-loved festivals in Italy and Europe! What better way to experience this magical atmosphere than in a Campervan?
With your home on wheels, you can move comfortably between cities famous for their festivities, immersing yourself in local traditions and enjoying the journey with total freedom.
Here is a guide to Carnival events not to be missed and some useful tips to make your trip unique and memorable.
February events to experience in a Campervan
Carnival is one of the oldest and most fascinating traditions. Originally, it represented a period of euphoria and freedom before the rigours of Lent, a time when social hierarchies were subverted and creativity found its highest expression. Today, this festival continues to enchant with its colours, music and unique atmosphere, offering everyone the chance to immerse themselves in a magical dimension, where every mask tells a story and every square is transformed into a stage.
Carnival of Venice
The Venice Carnival, from 14 February to 4 March 2025, is an unparalleled event known the world over for its elegance, millennial history and the enchanted atmosphere that envelops the lagoon city. Dating back to the 12th century, the Venice Carnival was originally a festive period when everyone, regardless of social class, could hide their identity behind masks and celebrate freedom and equality.
Venice during Carnival is an experience that goes beyond masked parades because it is the city itself that is transformed into a living work of art.
Although the city is not directly accessible by Campervan, there are several well-equipped parking areas in the surrounding area, such as those in Mestre and Fusina, which offer excellent connections to the city centre by vaporetto or bus.
Viareggio Carnival
The Viareggio Carnival takes place from Saturday 8 February to 4 March 2025. Here the absolute protagonists are the papier-mâché floats, true works of art created by master craftsmen from Viareggio. Each float is an ironic and satirical representation of current affairs, politics, culture or society. These papier-mâché giants, up to 20 metres high and animated by ingenious mechanisms, are the result of months of work and are able to amaze the public with spectacular movements, lights and music.
For those travelling by Campervan, Viareggio offers several well-equipped parking areas in the surroundings, allowing you to easily reach the city centre and experience the Carnival without worries. With the freedom of a Campervan, you can enjoy every moment of this unforgettable celebration and, at the same time, explore the beauty of Versilia, from the beaches to the surrounding hills.
Ivrea Carnival
From 22 to 25 February 2025, Ivrea will host the city’s traditional Carnival. Much more than a simple festival, the Ivrea Carnival is a historical celebration rooted in the Middle Ages and involving the entire city in a unique event. This festival is most famous for the spectacular ‘Battle of the Oranges’, a symbolic re-enactment of the people’s rebellion against tyranny.
But the Ivrea Carnival is not limited to the battle: the historical procession, with the Mugnaia (Miller’s wife), the General and other symbolic figures, passes through the streets of the city, creating an atmosphere of great fascination. Every detail, from the clothes to the rituals, is taken care of with extreme attention to keep the tradition alive.
For campers, Ivrea offers strategic parking areas that make it easy to reach the centre and participate in every moment of the festival.
The best European destinations for Motorhomes in February
Carnival is not just an Italian tradition: there are also spectacular celebrations in Europe to explore with your Motorhome!
Nice Carnival (France)
15 February to 2 March 2025
The Carnival of Nice has very ancient origins, dating back to the 13th century, and attracts visitors from all over the world. Each year, the event revolves around a specific theme that inspires the creation of the floats and masks.
One of the most iconic events of the Carnival of Nice is the Battle of the Flowers on the famous Promenade des Anglais during which fresh flowers are thrown to the public from beautifully decorated floats, a tribute to the rich floral tradition of the French Riviera.
Travelling to Nice by Motorhome is an ideal option for those who want to enjoy the Carnival with maximum freedom and explore the wonders of the French Riviera.
Carnival of Binche (Belgium)
2 to 4 March 2025
Acknowledged as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Carnival of Binche is a folkloric event with a long tradition known for its ‘Gilles’ who parade in costume on Shrove Tuesday to the sound of drums and traditional instruments. The Gilles are local men who wear elaborate costumes decorated with symbolic motifs, wax masks and headgear adorned with ostrich feathers. The preparation to become a Gille is rigorous: only the citizens of Binche can play this role and the costume is worn exclusively during Carnival.
The Belgian town is an ideal destination for Campers who want to have an authentic European experience: around the town, there are well-equipped rest areas and campsites offering dedicated services for travellers.
Carnival of Tenerife (Spain)
31 January to 9 March 2025
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the largest and most fascinating Carnivals in the world, second only to that of Rio de Janeiro. A celebration that lasts for weeks, with a calendar full of events culminating in the main week, between Shrove Thursday and Mardi Gras.
Famous for its glittering costumes, grandiose parades and overwhelming energy, Carnival transforms the island of Tenerife into an endless party, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Bringing your Campervan to Tenerife requires the use of a ferry. This will allow you to travel freely around the island and discover not only the Carnival, but also breathtaking landscapes such as black sand beaches, laurisilva forests and the majestic Teide, Spain’s highest volcano.
Tips for travelling by Campervan in February
Travelling by Campervan in February requires a little preparation to cope with the winter temperatures and ensure maximum comfort during stops.
Here are some useful tips:
Winter equipment
Make sure you have an efficient heating system and take along accessories such as snow shovels, chains and antifreeze fluid.
Thermo Vent is a perfect accessory to keep your Motorhome well insulated and protected from the weather, ensuring optimal comfort during the cold February days.
Organised space
Take your costumes and accessories with you to take part in the Carnival parades and experience the magic of the festivities: Cargo Back, the trunk to be mounted on the bike rack, allows you to transport bulky costumes and personal items without taking up space inside the motorhome.
Practicality and organisation
Travel in your Motorhome and experience each event stress-free by choosing your stops and enjoying an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Fiamma’s Carry-Bike Pro C is a compact bike carrier that allows you to easily transport bicycles to get around.