Bratislava Carnival / “Fašiangy” 2026
A celebration of fun, dancing, and crazy costumes will fill the streets of Bratislava on Saturday, February 7. The all-day program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude with a Shrovetide party until 10:00 p.m. on Main Square.
Carnival Parade and Programme in Bratislava Old Town
The carnival program will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Main Square, where Radio Junior will broadcast live to introduce listeners to the work of a radio station. The Kobylka, Vienok, Gerulata, and Poleno children’s folk ensembles will bring the joy of carnival customs and traditions to the square. At 12:00 p.m., you can learn how to dance in a mask at a workshop. Movement, music, and the spoken word will also be featured at the International Carnival, which will showcase traditions from Mexico to India.
A BSK zone of performing arts with a music and movement program will be created on Františkánske Square. The spontaneous joy of movement will be conveyed by the Fairytale Carnival workshop led by Nikola Kozáková, starting at 10:00 a.m. Visitors can also enjoy the carnival atmosphere at the DiversAbility Circus with the CirkusKus association. Thanks to specially adapted equipment, people with special needs can also try circus tricks and games. From 2:00 p.m., a drumming workshop will transform Františkánske Square into a musical playground, where you can also bring your own homemade percussion instruments.
Photo: BKIS
Children will enjoy not only the creative program, but also cheerful theater performances in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall. The Houže Theater has prepared a performance of The Wolf on the Moon for the youngest children, starting at 9:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., children can watch the well-known story of Janko and Marienka and the Cruel Forest. The program will end with a workshop not only for choir singing enthusiasts, but open to everyone regardless of singing experience.
To the Main Square – especially in masks
The opportunity to break out of the usual routine and put on a carnival costume is here again after a year. The grand carnival parade will set off from Main Square at 5 p.m. to Hviezdoslavovo Square, continue to Ventúrska Street, Michalská Street, SNP Square, and return to Main Square. This year’s parade symbol is the White Snake, symbolizing protection and abundance, which also brings with it a new tradition of creating a parade mascot. The parade will grow again and bring crazy community fun with an international dimension by involving several embassies and communities. Anyone can join the parade – homemade and purchased masks, banners, dance and theater groups, and families with children are all welcome.
Photo: BKIS
Diversity in the streets and musical genres
Dancing in masks will be tested by the main musical program – the Shrovetide celebration on Main Square. The band Muzička will be the first to perform, followed by the announcement of the winners of the competition for the most creative and original masks. At 7:30 p.m., Sendreiovci will play, and the last musical guest will be Duo SlaNina with a repertoire ranging from disco to Balkan beats.
Photo: Adam Kovac
A Chance to Discover the City’s Cultural Heritage
Bratislava Carnival is not only an entertaining event, but also a way to experience tradition in a living form. It presents folklore as a natural part of the city’s culture and helps deepen the understanding of Slovak identity within a modern urban rhythm.
Visitors take home not only memories of the parade, music, and flavours, but also a connection to cultural heritage that remains alive and shared.
Admission is free.
Photo: BKIS
Notice: During the event, photos and/or video recordings may be taken for promotional purposes related to Bratislava and its activities.
