Cities all across the world come alive in the winter with colorful and distinctive Carnival events. More than 50 nations throughout the world celebrate Carnival, and each one has its own special customs and festivities. Celebrations can linger for more than a month and are frequently marked by parades, vibrant costumes, live music, and joyful dancing.
Although this yearly event is well-liked throughout the world, some places have absolutely massive celebrations. Here are our selections for the world’s top Carnival celebrations:
Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil
The Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro are undoubtedly the most well-known in the entire world. The celebrations in Rio are an impressive sight and regularly attract more than 2 million visitors to the well-known seaside city. The 2023 festival will be held from February 17 to 25 at various venues around the city. The program will include samba music and dancers, the famous samba parade and epic parties.
Mardi Gras, New Orleans
The gigantic celebrations and parades that make up the distinctive festival make New Orleans famous throughout the world. In the two weeks leading up to (Fat) Tuesday, February 21, 2023, when Mardi Gras officially begins, the city will be filled with festivities.
It’s not surprising that a million people visit New Orleans every year, considering that around 80 parades take place in the Big Easy. The festival is famous for its parades, where spectators are showered with beads and coins from magnificent floats surrounded by magnificent marching bands.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, Trinidad
If Trinidad is not enjoying Carnival, then they are preparing for it. The event, which takes place every year from February 15 to February 22, is a significant component of the culture of this island in the southern Caribbean.
Carnival of Binche, Belgium
The event, which has been held since the 14th century, will be held in 2023 from February 19 to 21.
The celebration comes to a close with a parade of men dressed as Gilles, French musicians from Burgundy in the 1400s. The Gilles are dressed in shades of red, yellow and black and wear wax face masks, large hats with feathers and wooden shoes. They parade through the streets drumming and throwing oranges to spectators before closing the festival with a fireworks display.
Venice Carnival, Italy
The famous Carnival celebration in Venice, which has been held since at least 1296, will be held from February 4 to 21, 2023. A boat parade and festival of lights is held each year on the Rio di Cannaregio canal. The 10-day festival features a series of masquerade parties where guests wear historical costumes and elaborate masks.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, hosts the Carnival of Santa Cruz, which draws 200,000 spectators. The commemoration in 2023 will feature activities with the theme “New York – The City That Never Sleeps” between January 20 and February 26.
Viareggio Carnival, Italy
The Carnival of Viareggio will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2023. Six massive paper-mâche float parades will take place between February 4 and February 25. The giant floats are famous for their humorous references to Italian and global events and take more than six months to build. The Viareggio Carnival is so unique and popular that it is televised nationally every year.
