Happy Carnival images, wishes and greeting cards
Carnival is a festive season before Lent, famous for parades, costumes, masks, music and dancing in places such as Rio, Venice and New Orleans. Choose a design, add your name and message, and download it free.
When: The days before Lent, between late January and early March, ending on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras). The date depends on Easter and changes every year.
Carnival greeting images (9 designs)
Golden glowHappy Carnival to you
Pattern panelFeliz Carnaval!
Night skylineDance, dress up, celebrate
Bokeh lightsJoy, music and colour
Mandala circleLet the party begin
Classic frameHave a wonderful Carnival
Wishes for familyHappy Carnival to my wonderful family! May we dance, laugh and make happy memories toge…
Blessings for loved onesDear Mom and Dad, thank you for making every Carnival fun. Wishing you a joyful celebra…
Heartfelt messageHappy Carnival! May your days be filled with music, colour, dancing and unforgettable fun.Tap a design to personalise it and download.
When is Carnival? Dates for 2026 and 2027
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Calculated |
| 2027 | Tuesday, February 9, 2027 | Calculated |
- This is Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the last day of Carnival. Carnival season begins days or weeks earlier, depending on the place.
Dates last checked on 2026-10-21. See the full 2027 festival calendar.
About Carnival
Carnival is a festive season held in many parts of the world, especially in countries with a Catholic tradition, in the days leading up to Lent. It is a time of parades, street parties, music, dance, masks and elaborate costumes before the solemn forty days of Lent begin. It ends on Shrove Tuesday, known as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) in France and New Orleans, and the following day is Ash Wednesday.
Each place has its own character. Rio de Janeiro is famed for its samba parades and street parties called blocos, Venice for its elegant masks, Trinidad and Tobago for calypso and steel bands, Cologne and the Rhineland for Fasching and Karneval, and New Orleans for Mardi Gras parades with beads and floats. Goa in India also celebrates a lively carnival with floats and music. The mood is cheerful, so greetings wish people joy and fun.
How Carnival is celebrated
- Watching or joining colourful parades and street parties.
- Wearing costumes and masks.
- Dancing to samba, calypso and other local music.
- Eating festive foods before Lent begins, such as king cake or pancakes.
- Gathering with friends and family for celebrations.
Carnival wishes for family
Heartfelt messages for parents, siblings, spouses, children and relatives. Copy one, or open a message card above to edit it and download it as an image.
- Happy Carnival to my wonderful family! May we dance, laugh and make happy memories together.
- Dear Mom and Dad, thank you for making every Carnival fun. Wishing you a joyful celebration.
- To my brothers and sisters: let us dress up and dance like we did as kids. Feliz Carnaval!
- To my beloved partner, every day with you is a celebration, but Carnival is even better. Happy Carnival!
- Happy Carnival to my little ones! Enjoy your costumes, the music and all the colourful fun.
- Wishing all our relatives a happy and festive Carnival. May we celebrate together and stay safe.
Carnival wishes and messages
Copy a message to send with your image, or use it as a caption.
- Happy Carnival! May your days be filled with music, colour, dancing and unforgettable fun.
- Wishing you a joyful Carnival full of costumes, laughter and great company. Feliz Carnaval!
- May the rhythm of the drums and the colours of the parade fill you with happiness.
- Put on your mask, grab your friends and enjoy the party. Happy Carnival!
- Let the music play and the celebration begin. Wishing you a Carnival to remember.
- Sending you warm wishes for a safe, happy and colourful Carnival.
Carnival greeting in Portuguese
Feliz Carnaval
Several of the images above carry this greeting, which is a thoughtful touch for friends and family who speak Portuguese.
Frequently asked questions
When is Carnival in 2026?
Carnival in 2026 is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This is Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the last day of Carnival. Carnival season begins days or weeks earlier, depending on the place.
When is Carnival in 2027?
Carnival in 2027 is on Tuesday, February 9, 2027. This is Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the last day of Carnival. Carnival season begins days or weeks earlier, depending on the place.
When is Carnival?
It depends on Easter. Carnival season ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which falls between early February and early March, so the date changes every year.
What is the difference between Carnival and Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) is the final day of the Carnival season. The term is used especially in New Orleans and France, while Carnival refers to the whole festive season.
Where are the biggest Carnival celebrations?
Famous celebrations include Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Venice in Italy, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans in the United States and Cologne in Germany.
