You know it’s carnival time in Bremen when you hear samba drumming and see dazzling costumes and decorations festoon the city centre. Come carnival season, Bremen welcomes the largest samba carnival tradition in Europe.
"Experience the largest samba carnival tradition in Europe"
Bremen Samba Carnival attracts not only Bremen locals and expats living in the area, but also tourists from other German cities and farther afield who make their way to Bremen especially for the event. The spirit of Rio is alive and well with the flamboyant costumes, bright colours, masks, stilt walkers and, of course, samba drumming, that make up the heart of the festival. The parade towards the Steintor quarter is the highlight of the event.
For many years, the aim of the carnival has been creating political, socially critical or artistic topics that then give shape to the changing mottos. The 2025 edition marks the 40th anniversary of Bremen Samba Carnival. This edition of Bremen Carnival will focus on vividness in winter, filling the dark evening with brightness!
More than 1.500 people will participate in around 100 different groups with samba drums, masks and stilts. They come from all over Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland Poland and Great Britain to entertain and delight their audiences every year.
The Bremen Carnival is more than just a parade. Different concerts, a children's carnival, a photo exhibition and much more are included. At the children's carnival, the youngest participants also celebrate the Bremen carnival in colourful costumes and with music, dance and great stage shows.
Bremen Samba Carnival takes place in the heart of Bremen and therefore it's very easy to access by public transport. You may feel as though you're in Rio de Janeiro, but remember that it's still November in northern Germany: let's hope the weather stays fine for the event!