CARNIVAL
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parade For 2025, C arnival begins on 27 February and runs to 3 March, a slightly later date than in 2024. While recent years have been somewhat muted in terms of celebrations, the event is still one of the biggest seasons across Europe and further afield. Party suppliers share what’s in store this year, as well as what products are launching to help revellers celebrate.
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ovid and economic pressures have had an impact on Carnival over recent years with lower turn outs and slightly less outrageous outfits. All the signs are strong for 2025, however and there are high hopes for Carnival to bring people out to celebrate and party. Jafeth Vermeij, account manager, Opposuits, explains: “There will always be high expectations for Carnival since it
Above: Carnival costume themes can be anything party-goers want them to be. Right: Accessories such as wigs, hats and make-up are an important part of carnival celebrations. Below left: Street parties and parades are put on to celebrate carnival around the world.
is one of our biggest seasons, especially in mainland Europe. We had a solid start of the Carnival season due to a strong pre-order season we had. With this already shown interest we expect to take full advantage of the extended sales window with Carnival falling late this year in March. These are all indicators for a great Carnival season.” Mark Brett, sole UK agent for Boland, comments: “Carnival, in the relevant parts of Europe, sits alongside Halloween as one the most significant events within the party calendar. “Much like Halloween, it has become increasingly difficult to know what the trends will be. The last couple of years have been tough for Carnival, but there is the hope that 2025 will start to see some recovery. Being a little later in 2025, there is always the hope of slightly better, early spring weather. That said many of the big Carnival clubs, especially in the towns such as Cologne, plan their activities a long time in advance.” With parades adorning streets and parties celebrating throughout towns, consumers bring out their best costumes each year. While there’s always an ‘anything goes’ approach, certain factors can influence trends for outfits and décor. Jafeth comments: “Past
years’ figures reflect that our OppoSuits specials and all-over printed suits are the go-to choice during this season.” Mark continues: “As with many Festival and Carnival events, accessorising is the focus of most attendees. Wigs, masks, hats, beards, moustaches, tiaras and make up all play a large part in the participants’ dress up plans. “As to the themes, that is driven by what is happening on social media. That said, in the UK, we all in the party industry wish there was an equivalent national Carnival event. I think that is a bit of wishful thinking.”
Carnival facts ■ Carnival season, also known as the fifth season, begins each year on 11 November at 11.11am and finishes on Ash Wednesday the following year. ■ Although the festivities and parties can start as early as January, the carnival week itself starts on the Fat Thursday before Ash Wednesday. ■ The main parades are usually held on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, as well as the Monday before Shrove Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday itself. ■ Carnival is celebrated worldwide, including Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia, with celebrations varying dependent on the location.
50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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