5 bucket-list colourful festivals to visit in Europe

I didn’t use to be the bucket list type, but I recently decided I want to visit more colourful festivals in Europe. There’s nothing like the electric energy of a city in full celebration mode, from dazzling parades to quirky traditions. My latest adventure was the vibrant and zesty Lemon Festival in Menton, France, a citrusy spectacle like no other.

Since then I’ve been daydreaming about my next festive getaway. While the iconic street parties of Brazil and the Caribbean are tempting, I’m keeping my plans closer to home for now, right here in Europe. And with Jet2 now offering flights from London Luton to 17 exciting destinations from April 2025, it’s the perfect excuse to get into the spirit of planning holidays.

I’ve put my dream lineup together: five must-visit colourful festivals in Europe that I plan to tick off my list in the next 12 months, flying via these brand-new routes. Fancy coming along for the ride?

Here’s where I have in mind…

Flower Festival in Madeira, Portugal

So the sad thing is, I was in Madeira a few years ago when these colourful festivities transform this lush Portuguese island into a floral paradise, celebrating the arrival of spring. Problem is, I was at a conference and I didn’t have a chance to watch the main event which features elaborate flower floats, traditional music and dance. Thankfully, I did catch a glimpse of the carpets of flowers that line the streets. But Madeira is such a gorgeous place, I could easily spend many more holidays here. I plan to go back and and make time it for this.

How to get there:

Fly with Jet2Holidays from London Luton direct to Funchal. Find out more about Jet2 flights to Portugal.

Corpus Christ in Tenerife, Canary Island

I try and take an annual trip to Tenerife as it’s one of my favourite places. So heading there for The Corpus Christi Festival in Tenerife is getting added to my wish list. It’s a religious and cultural celebration, known for its breathtaking flower and sand carpets that decorate the streets of La Orotava. Which is a quaint town with exceptional hot chocolate shops. Held in June, the festival features intricate, hand-crafted designs made from volcanic sand and vibrant petals – something I’d love to see for myself!

The processions are said to be more solemn than what you might expect from a street festival but the outfits are teamed with traditional Canarian music so it’s a great opportunity to see a different side to local life, away from the usual tourism.

How to get there:

Fly with Jet2Holidays from London Luton direct to Tenerife. Find out more about Jet2 flights to the Canary Islands.

Verona Carnival, Italy

Most people have heard about the opulent Venice Carnival but I’m much more intrigued about Verona. Taking place on the last Friday before Lent, Bacanal del Gnoco as it’s known locally, is one of Italy’s oldest and most vibrant festivals dating back to the 16th century.

It’s famous for colourful parades (tick!), elaborate costumes (yes please!), and the iconic figure of Papà del Gnoco, a jovial character symbolising abundance (we all need more of that.) There are street performances and you’ll get to see traditional Venetian masks, all happening in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

How to get there:

Fly with Jet2Holidays from London Luton direct to Verona. Find out more about Jet2 flights to Italy.

Almond Blossom Fair, Mallorca, Spain

I love almond. I love blossom. An almond blossom festival is right up my street! Oh and it’s a lot closer then going all the way to Japan to see pink blossoming trees which is where most blossom lovers dream of going. The blossoms are in full flow in February when Mallorca’s countryside turns into a sea of pink and white blossoms. Alongside the natural beauty the local markets sell all manor of almond products including local marzipan – yum! You can’t visit Spain too many times so I’m sure I’ll go before the next festival, but this is in the diary for 2027.

How to get there:

Fly with Jet2Holidays from London Luton direct to Mallorca. Find out more about Jet2 flights to Spain.

St Dennis Festival, Zante, Greece

The Greek islands are all filled with history as I got a taste of when I visited Halkidiki last year. Zante too has its special stories, brought to life twice a year at the St. Dennis Festival (Feast of Agios Dionysios.) Honouring the island’s patron saint, Agios Dionysios, it’s held twice a year, on August 24th and December 17^th. I like the idea of going at the end of the year for a winter sun activity. There’s a procession, fireworks, warm Greek hospitality and of course, lots of tasty food. Count me in!

How to get there

Fly with Jet2Holidays from London Luton direct to Zante. Find out more about Jet2 flights to Greece.

So that’s my plans sorted. Which one should I go to first and more importantly, which one are you heading to?

#AD This blog post is a collaboration with Jet2Holidays – the content and images are my own.