The best carnival in the world takes place in Rio de Janeiro. However, there’re other super cool and famous carnivals around the world. Below are the five best international festivals to look forward to every year.
- Carnival of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
The biggest and most popular party in the world, Carnival in Rio, is famous for its Schools of Samba parade. Nonetheless, the fun isn’t something full of the Sambadrome. If you don’t feel like watching the parade, you can wear your favorite costume and move to the streets where there’s always some fun parties happening. The party is in the soul of those born in Rio, meaning it won’t be over until Sunday after the Champion’s Parade.
When: Five days ahead of the Lent
Duration: 5 parade days from Friday to Tuesday
Dimension: About 3 million people, 100 Samba Schools, 300 Bands playing in different neighborhoods
Feature: Sambadrome, the place where the leading Schools of Samba parade happens
- Carnival di Venezia – Italy
The party lasts ten days. During the night, the parades of Compagnie Della Calza make the city more beautiful and fun. The costumes are influenced by the 18th century and are distinguished by noble masks, white faces with black silk dressing, and a three-pointed hat.
When: Two weeks before the Lent
Duration: 10 days
Dimension: Hundreds of people
Feature: The festival of costumes and masks inspired by the 18th century
- Notting Hill – London
Known as the biggest and most famous in Europe, this party is all about having fun. It counts with the contribution of Brazilian samba blocks and schools. The Paraiso School of Samba and the London School of Samba are in charge of taking the Brazilian way of carnival to London, with costumed revelers, wings, passers-by, and batteries.
When: Each August’s last Sunday and Monday
Duration: Parade Dois Dias de desfiles for two days
Dimension: Approximately 50,000 artists and one million people
Feature: There’re 40 points around the paradise’s route so people can stop by to try Caribbean typical dishes and listen to some music.
- Spain’s Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
The party is the second biggest carnival in the globe after the festivities in Rio de Janeiro. Also known as Corso, the festival counts with 100 groups of 50 components that stand for the troupes of the carnival. They move to the streets wearing costumes and playing music to party with the visitors and citizens of that town. The festival is not just about Caribbean rhythm but also electronic music and even dances.
When: A week before the Lent
Duration: The Corso occur on the Fat Tuesday
Dimension: More than 100 musical groups
Feature: The Carnival Queen Contest
- Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
The most famous carnival in the US happens in New Orleans, the city of jazz. Throughout the event, parades are assigned to Mythological characters such as King Zulu, Bacchus, and Orfeu. It’s also common to see a family picnic near the Mississippi River during the festivals.
When: Starts on 6th January, the 12th night (Epiphany Feast)
Duration: Two weeks before the Mardi Gras
Dimension: Approximately 250 thousand people in the city
Feature: The necklace of beads and all their dimensions