Celebrated across the globe, Carnival is all about dazzling costumes, music, spectacular parades and an enormous crowd.
That said, each country does Carnival a little bit differently. They bring their own traditions and flair to the festivities, which reflect the country’s own history and identity. Want to find out how Carnival is celebrated around the world? Maybe you’d even like to experience it first-hand? Then keep reading to discover the most fun and fascinating Carnivals in seven unique destinations.
1. Carnival in Venice
Italy has many Carnivals to choose from but the most famous and spectacular is undoubtedly the one in Venice. Every year for a week in February, the city of Doge’s Palace comes to life with costumes and events. The festivities begin with a spectacular water show in the Cannaregio canal. The Sfilata delle Colombine takes place the next day. This historic women’s gondola regatta departs from the Bridge of the Three Arches (Ponte dei Tre Archi) and finishes at the Ponte delle Guglie. The celebrations continue with a competition for the most beautiful Carnival mask and the famous Flight of the Angel.
Experience Carnival in Venice with these activities:
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2. Carnival in Viareggio (Tuscany)
Since 1823, Viareggio has been the location of Carnival’s most brazen celebrations, featuring wood-and-papier-mâché floats representing politicians and prominent figures. It started when the high-society young men of the Corso Mascherato decided to organize their own Carnival parade. In the 1930s the Burlamacco was introduced as the official mask and symbol of the Carnival of Viareggio. Similar to the commedia dell’arte masks, it was designed with a futuristic style based on the hues of the city’s beach umbrellas.
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3. Carnival in Tenerife
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is known as the second largest in the world, after Rio de Janeiro. Celebrations revolve around stunning shows, colorful costumes and unforgettable parties. One of the main highlights is the election of the Carnival queen, where candidates appear in spectacular creations that can sometimes weigh up to 80kg. The parade through the streets of Santa Cruz is a fantastic display of dance, music and creativity, and the party continues until the early hours. The mix of Spanish tradition and South American flair makes this Carnival extra special.
Experience Carnival in Tenerife with these activities:
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4. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
There’s no denying that Rio de Janeiro is the Carnival capital of the world. What better way to prepare for 40 days of sobriety than five days of wild dancing and partying? The festival kicks off with the coronation of King Momo and every district holds a parade in its characteristic colors, highlighting the traditions of its own bloco. Finally, the samba schools compete for four days in the Sambadrome — the dancers prepare all year for this event. Rio’s Carnival costumes are characterized by bright colors…and a distinct lack of bulky coats!
Experience Carnival in Rio with these activities:
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5. Carnival in Cologne
In Cologne the party kicks off on November 11 at 11:11am, but the real Carnival begins on Weiberfastnacht. On this day, women symbolically take over by cutting off men’s ties. The city center turns into one big street party, with everyone in costumes greeting one another with a cheerful ‘Kölle Alaaf!’. The highlight is Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which features a parade of floats stretching for kilometers, often poking fun at politicians and current events.
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6. Carnival in New Orleans
Perhaps less well-known but no less festive is the New Orleans Carnival. Mardi Gras in this beautiful city includes parades of colorful floats, where revelers fling confetti and fake dollar coins onto the crowd. The Mystick Krewe of Comus, the oldest krewe, organized the first parade in 1857, combining the British, French, and Creole traditions that characterize the city.
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7. Notting Hill Carnival, London
Although it doesn’t fall within the traditional carnival period, the Notting Hill Carnival in London has grown to become one of Europe’s largest street festivals. Every year in August, the neighborhood is filled with the scents of Caribbean dishes and the sounds of steel bands and reggae. The three-day celebration attracts more than a million visitors who enjoy parades, dancers, and the authentic Caribbean atmosphere. The festival, which started in the 1960s as a celebration of freedom and diversity, is a perfect reflection of the multicultural character of the British capital.
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