Celebrate Keszthely Carnival 2026’s 25th jubilee parade—colorful costumes, lively music, family-friendly fun from Festetics Palace to Main Square. Register online, phone, or Tourinform by Feb 6. Join the spectacle!
when: 2026.02.07., Saturday
where: 8360 Keszthely, Festetics kastély – Sétálóutca - Fő tér
Keszthely puts on its brightest costumes and biggest smiles on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for the 25th Farsang Carnival (Farsangi Karnevál) — a jubilee parade that sends a joyous, color-drenched crowd through the heart of the city. Gathering starts at 1:00 PM, the parade steps off at 2:00 PM, and the festive energy returns to downtown in full force.
Route and Rhythm
The parade sets off from the gates of Festetics Palace park, then rolls down Promenade Street (Sétáló utca) to Main Square (Fő tér). Expect a creative surge of masked revelers, quick wit, and bold humor. Over the years, this city carnival has become a beloved tradition not just for locals — costumed groups arrive from across the country to join the spectacle.
Join the Jubilee
It’s the 25th time Keszthely waves goodbye to winter together. Put on a costume, jump into the merry whirl, or follow the procession through the city center. Friends, families, and groups are welcome among the marchers. A jury will cheer on the inventiveness of the costumes and the enthusiasm of the participants.
How to Register
Sign up to march:
– Online
– By phone
– In person: Tourinform Keszthely office, 30 Kossuth Lajos Street (Kossuth Lajos utca)
Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026
Cheers to the Organizers
Thanks to the Balaton Wine-Loving Ladies Association (Balatoni Borbarát Hölgyek Egyesülete) for bringing the carnival spirit to life. See you on February 7 in Keszthely — carnival is best in costume!
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibes with a daytime parade, costumes, and a safe, central route that kids will love
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Easy to join in or just watch—registration options online/phone/in person make it tourist-friendly
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No Hungarian needed to enjoy the visuals, music, and humor; locals are used to visitors at Lake Balaton events
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Keszthely is small and walkable; the parade runs between well-known downtown spots (Festetics Palace to Main Square), so it’s simple to find
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February timing means lighter tourist crowds and cheaper lodging around Lake Balaton
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Compared with big European carnivals (Venice, Cologne), this is more intimate and participatory, great for photos and mingling
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Festetics Palace nearby adds a cultural bonus you can pair with the parade
- Keszthely and the carnival aren’t widely known in the U.S., so expectations and planning info may be limited
Cons
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February weather can be cold and damp by the lake, which could be tough for young kids or long standing
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Public transport from Budapest requires a train or bus plus a short walk; driving is doable but winter roads/parking can be tricky
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Smaller scale than famous carnivals abroad, so spectacle and nightlife will be modest compared to Venice, Rio, or New Orleans
