Carnival celebrations are a spectacle, filled with cuisine, entertainment, live music, and colorful, over-the-top costumes. It is a global sensation that is celebrated across different countries and every country has its own unique traditions and way of celebrating.
Read ahead for your official carnival bucket list!
Nobody throws a party like Brazil, and there’s no Brazilian party like Rio De Janeiro Carnival, the mother of all carnivals. Get ready to be floored as over two million people take to the streets of Rio, turning it into a splendid gala of dance, music, decorated floats, colourful costumes, elaborate headdresses and sparkling bikinis. The grandest of all!
Extravagant costumes and decorative masks make the Carnival of Venice one of Europe’s most elegant events. It’s a two week that started as a victory celebration in 1162, which now witnesses grand balls, classical music concerts, pub-crawls, cruise parties, parades, and fireworks across the city.
It’s no surprise that the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration is the biggest of its kind in the U.S. It features numerous parades, costumed revellers and lots of merrymaking. Though many of MAdi Gras’ traditions initially started in Europe, they came to New Orleans in the mid 1700s. Today, excited travellers from all over the United States to attend Mardi Gras celebrations.
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is a colourful, vibrant and lively celebration. It takes place the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is without a doubt the best Caribbean carnival in the world.
The Notting Hill Carnival held annually in the Notting Hill neighborhood in London is the city’s biggest street party. Join in the fun as over a million people dance in the streets of London, along with colourful costumed performers, elaborate floats, Caribbean music, and resounding sound systems.
Click here to read about some of the most famous dances from around the world!
The Carnival of Viareggio, held in the Tuscan town is one of Europe’s well-known festivals. It attracts millions of spectators who come to view its amazing parades that feature incredible floats.
Click here to read about Seven Weird Marriage Traditions From Around The World!
Named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, Binche’s unique carnival experience in Belgium includes many folkloric traditions — including a ritual of throwing oranges for good luck. Those who partake in the celebration can dress up as one of the four traditional characters, becoming the Gilles, Peasants, Pierrots, and Harlequins.
Quebec Winter Carnival is one of largest winter carnival held it Quebec. It features dog-sled racing, snow sculptures, snow baths, sleigh rides, balls, ice skating and night time winter parades. Apart from these, the snow and ice sculptures made by artists from around the world, and the iconic ice palace, which is designed on a new theme every year makes it one of the grandest celebrations of all time!
Oruro Carnival is Bolivia’s biggest tourist attraction! This carnival is focused heavily on traditional dances and ceremonies — the traditional dance of the festival is known as the ‘llama llama’ or diablada, and there are over 48 dance groups that perform over 15 different folk dances throughout the festivities.
The Sitges Carnival is another biggest carnivals in Europe. It is known for its wild street parties as well as being one of the most gay friendly carnivals in the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Let your hair down, and go crazy in these vibrant and high-spirited carnivals of the world!
Read about some craziest, maddest festivals in the world here!
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