You love to travel, and who doesn’t love a great reason for a party? Now it’s the perfect time for both! Shake off the winter blues and let it all hang loose in some of the best Carnivals on the planet.
From the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro to the Venetian masquerades, here are the top places to revel in Dionysus’ favorite holiday, the hedonistic Carnival!
Where will you be celebrating?
1. The Brazil Carnival: Sexy samba in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil and Carnival is a match made in heaven. The indisputable Queen of Brazil’s Carnival is Rio de Janeiro, where samba schools take to the streets in elaborate parades and sparkling costumes.
Dance the night away in luxury galas in elegant palaces or brave the vibrant, thumping streets in the Sambadrome. The Sambadrome is an enormous amphitheater gathered around a street where each of the Samba schools competes in a parade full of fireworks, feathers and feisty dancers.
The Carnival in Rio is not for the faint of heart, but definitely tops the list of Carnival revelry and unforgettable celebrations. If you are keen to experience this amazing carnival or city, view my Rio de Janeiro travel tips.
2. Elegant Masquerades at the Venice Carnival
Arguably the birthplace of Carnivale, Venice opens its doors to the throngs of tourists eager to celebrate in this year’s Sensation Carnivale di Venezia. The tradition Opening of the Venice Carnival takes places every February at the historical Luna Hotel Baglioni.
Dress in your traditional Venetian Carnival costumes (and masks!) and enjoy canapés and cocktails in the most elegant Carnival celebration in the world. The most famous Carnival in Italy’s trademark is undoubtedly the mask which were used for all official banquets and celebrations from the day of Santo Stefano until Shrove Tuesday.
Today there are a variety of styles and you can even commission Venetian artists to paint a glittering, intricate mask on your face. View my top Venice carnival tips or check out this amazing Venice travel guide.
3. Jazzy Spirit in the legendary Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Welcome to Mardi Gras Madness, the epicenter of Carnival in the United States and a beloved celebration in this Louisiana city.
Mardi Gras is a celebration featuring vibrant parades, eclectic costumes and of course, the infamous beads. Mardi Gras in New Orleans dates back to the eighteenth century as a party for high society balls and elegant galas in gorgeous Southern mansions.
Today, social clubs known as Mardi Gras Krewes organize boisterous parades of elaborate floats, non-stop music and an “anything goes” atmosphere among the revelers. The French Quarter of New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras and it’s easy to get in on the action.
Cruise down Bourbon Street, the center of New Orleans nightlife, and you’ll find a veritable street party as the bars spill out into the night, with partygoers hanging over terraces and balconies. Go wild at the Sunday Night Bacchus Parade and get your neck ready to hold endless strands of colorful beads!
4. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe attracting millions of tourists every year. Many do not realise though if you plan a trip during February you can take in amazing local Carnival celebrations. This is a great way to escape the tourist resorts and do something different in Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers the largest and most extravagant Carnival in Spain. As the capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an enormous party filled with extraordinary costumes, fabulous dancing, sensational parades and an overall unforgettable party.
It is a mixture of island flavor with old European traditions to create possibly the most eclectic and wild Carnival in the world. The Carnival Queen reigns over this freedom festival of song, dance and sparkling costumes. The theme for Santa Cruz‘ Carnival each year is different and special directing the costume themes. The main parade is a must see.
5. Santiago de Cuba
Cuba is an off the beaten track destination which requires a bit more effort than some of the other locations on our list, but if you do plan a trip to coincide with the Santiago de Cuba Carnival, you will be rewarded with one of the most amazing experiences of your life.
Although Rio Carnival generally gets all the headlines, Carnival in Cuba might not be as extravagant but it is a lot of fun. Expect lots of street performances, costumes, music and entertainment.
For more information view my guide to the guide to the Santiago de Cuba Carnival. You can also use this as an excuse to explore more of Cuba too!
For more recommendations for things to do around the world view my travel guides.
