20 Best Carnivals in the World

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Carnival is one of the oldest celebrations around the world, being celebrated in a large part of the world. Each of the countries has its own way of celebrating carnival, either for historical references, cultural demonstrations or simply as a means of entertainment.

Here are the 20 best carnivals in the world.

 

20. Jukanoo Carnival, The Bahamas

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The Junkanoo is a fun celebration held in The Bahamas during the new year. This event is also known as Jonkonnu and is a celebration that commemorates the history and culture of the island. Every year during the month of December through the new year, thousands of people take to the streets all over the island. However, where this holiday is celebrated with much more excitement is in Nasáu, the capital of The Bahamas..

The origin of this particular holiday known as Junkanoo is somewhat unknown, although many people relate its existence to that of John Canoe, a Ghanaian warrior. Other people attribute the festivities to ancient celebrations to the deity known as Igbo Njoku Ki. Despite not having a clear timeline, Junkanoo has been maintained over the years in the Caribbean islands of The Bahamas.

 

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The Junkanoo season is one of pure street partying as people take to the streets to celebrate withmusic, dancing and costumes. Every year, thousands of drummers, whistles and masks take to the streets to celebrate the New Year in the capital city. The parades are undoubtedly the most anticipated attractions, when the streets are crowded with masks, costumes and stilt dancers.

Junkanoo will run from December 26, better known as boxing day, through New Year’s Day.

 

 

19. Carnival of Recife and Olinda, Brazil

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The Carnival of Recife and Olinda is one of the most iconic festivals in all of Brazil. Recife and Olinda are sister cities, being only a few kilometers away from each other. These sister cities are rivals during the carnival season. Although each city holds its own carnival, the mix of the two creates a unique duality of sorts, with phenomenal daytime and nighttime entertainment.

Brazilian Carnivals emerged from the celebration of the Portuguese Entrudo, when the colonists arrived in the new world. However, these celebrations have a deep relationship with African cultures, which gave rise to musical and theatrical movements known as frevo and passo. Today, the Carnival of Oliva and Recife is known as one of the largest and most entertaining in the entire country.

 

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Both celebrations are held with entertainment by blocos and frevo groups. However, the difference between the two carnivals is truly remarkable. Recife is known for its nightly entertainment such as the Night of the Silent Drums and of the largest bloco in the world called Galo da Madrugada. The city of Olinda has parades of Giant Dolls and live music.

Carnivals in Recife and Olinda are generally held between the months of February and March. They will be held from February 25 to March 2. Carnivals in Recife and Olinda usually take place between February and March.

 

 

 

18. Rijeka Carnival, Croatia

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The city of Rijeka has one of the liveliest and most festive celebrations in the whole country. This carnival is also known as Riječki karneval and comprises a good amount of fun and interesting events. The carnival has been a part of Rijeka since 1449, but the first masked parade was held in the year 1982. One of the most interesting aspects of the carnival in Rijeka is the use of masks and costumes, the most important and popular being the Zvončari.

 

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The Zvončari is a half human, half animal character. The traditional character has a furry animal mask, accompanied by a striped shirt and beige pants. However, his form can change depending on the area he is in. The Grand Parade is the highlight event with all the characters taking to the streets to party all day.

 

Rijeka Carnival will take place between the months of February and March.

 

17. Aalborg Carnival, Denmark

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Aalborg is one of the largest and most important carnivals in all of Europe held between spring and summer. The event is a large, colorful and cultural celebration that hosts several shows and activities in one place. Aalborg Carnivals are known for being extremely inclusive, no one is left out, so a large number of events for all ages are included.

 

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This carnival is a means of expression, as everyone can dress up in whatever they want, even though the event has a certain theme each year. The Aalborg Carnival includes 4 main events throughout the season: The Grand Parade, the International Parade, the festival and the children’s carnival. During the event there are also amusement parks, camping area and open bar.

Aalborg Carnival is usually held in March.

 

 

 

16. Mazatlan Carnival, Mexico

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The city of Mazatlán is the epicenter of the largest carnival in all of Mexico. Carnival has been present in the city since 1827, when the first carnival parade was held. Since then, carnivals have been deeply rooted in the identity of the city, and have been celebrated for more than a century. Currently, the carnival receives some 700,000 people every year.

 

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Mazatlan Carnival represents a great chain of events that occur one after another during the carnival season. The most outstanding are the big parades that take place in the city. However, there are also live concerts, sports activities and fireworks shows. One of the latter is the Combate Naval, the largest and most impressive fireworks show of the entire carnival.

 

Mazatlan Carnival will be taking place from February 20 to 25.

 

15. Sitges Carnival, Spain

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The Sitges Carnival is one of the most inclusive and animated carnivals in Spain. Sitges is known for being agay municipality, which means that a large number of people of the movement reside in this area. For this reason, a large number of events such as galas and concerts are held for all members of the movement. As if that were not enough, it also has a large number of corsos, events and fun performances for all the public. The Camas Disfrazadas race, the Rúa de l’Extermini, the Rúa de la Disbauxa and the Enterro de S.M. Carnestoltes are the most outstanding events in the carnivals.

 

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This carnival has been present in the town since the 19th century. Its beginnings can be found in a series of cultural demonstrations held between two organizations: La Societat Recreativa El Retiro and the Casino Prado. These organizations functioned as a refuge for people who had been affected and benefited by the Industrial Era. Today, these organizations are still active and organize carnival events every year.

 

The Sitges Carnival has an approximate date that goes from February 24 to March 2.

 

 

14. Basel Carnival, Switzerland

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Basel is a city located near the border with Germany and France. Carnival has been present in the city since the 14th century. However, due to war conflicts, the celebration had some years without taking place. The Basel Carnival is one of the most colorful and lively festivals in Europe.

 

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This carnival has some main characters, some of them are the Waggis, the Ueli and the Harlekin, all of them perform different activities during the events and parades. In addition, the city also has great lamps that are part of a night parade full of magic and color. Likewise, the Cortège is the most important and popular event of the festival, featuring confeti, color everywhere, interesting characters and lots of music.

The Basel Carnival will take place from approximately March 7 to 9.

 

 

13. Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia

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The Carnival of Ouro is a great celebration that mixes Catholic beliefs with ancestral traditions. This celebration arrived in the city through the Spanish colonists. However, it was not once independence was achieved when the carnival acquired a more national sense.  Thanks to its greatcultural importance, the Carnavales de Oruro were recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

 

 

The Oruro Carnival includes a large number of cultural and religious manifestations. Every year, thousands of dancers and musicians come to the city of Oruro to pay tribute to the Virgen del Socavón with a large number of dances, parades and musical performances. In addition, tributes to the Pacha Mama are also performed by various traditional groups from various regions of the country. The cultural manifestations that stand out most from the entire event are the diabladas, the morenadas and the caporales. In these dances, colorful costumes, masks and unique dance steps are used.

The Oruro Carnival will take place from approximately February 25 to 28.

 

12. Notting Hill Carnival, UK

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The Notting Hill Carnival in the city of London is one of Europe’s most significant and representative Caribbean carnivals on the entire continent. The event emerged as a response to a series of protests and riots in the city. Thus, theAfro-Caribbean community decided to integrate this type of event into the city’s calendar.

 

 

Every yearthe streets of Notting Hill are filled with hundreds of thousands of colorful costumes identical to those you can find in the Caribbean Mas Bands. The Notting Hill Carnivals take place over two days, the first is somewhat quieter with family entertainment, while the second is much wilder and energetic. The events that stand out the most are the J’ouvert and the incredible parade with music, trucks and dresses.

Notting Hill Carnival is usually held in August.

 

 

11. Cologne Carnival, Germany

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Carnivals in the city of Cologne are one of the best known throughout the country and Europe. Carnivals have been present in the city since the Middle Ages and has been steadily growing ever since. Today, this carnival represents one of the most lively, varied and fun carnivals in all of Germany.

 

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Every year, the carnivals feature a new theme, of which a large number of events and shows are held. In addition, it also holds several entertaining activities and parades that involve everyone. One of the most fun events is the Ghost Parade, where visitors and residents wear scary costumes. However, the most important day is Rosenmontag, when the big main parade with carriages, costumes and music takes place. Everyone wears various costumes, but the spring costumes of jokers and clowns predominate.

The Cologne Carnival will be held from approximately February 24 to March 2.

 

 

 

10. Salvador Carnival, Brazil

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The Carnival of the city of Salvador, located in the state of Bahia, is the main competitor of the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Carnivals in Salvador completely changed carnivals in the city and throughout the country thanks to the emergence of the Electric Trio. In 1950 Adolfo Dodo Nascimento and Osmar Álvares Macódo invented what would become the predecessor of the Trío Eléctrico, a large animated truck loaded with horns to perform concerts and performances in the street.

 

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Despite not having formal parades of professional samba schools, the city of Salvador has several circuits where the blocos with their electric trios perform. In addition, several camarotes are also available for viewing the presentations. Large stages are set up at various strategic locations in the city, where groups of different genres such as rock and even children’s music perform.

Salvador Carnival will be held from February 24 to March 2.

 

 

9. Carnaval de Barranquilla, Colombia

The city of Barranquilla is the epicenter of the largest carnival in the entire country. The Carnival has been present since 1893, being one of themost important means of expression of the city. Thanks to its great cultural contribution and the diverse ethnic groups of the area, the Carnival of Barranquilla has been considered a Cultural Masterpiece of the Nation and a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

 

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Carnivals in Barranquilla are a great conglomerate of cultural manifestations. These manifestations are conveyed specifically through music, dresses and dances. In addition, it also includes several parades through the city such as the Battle of Flowers with several folklore groups and carrozas, the Grand Parade of Tradition and Folklore and the Gran Parada, the largest and most important parade of the season.

Barranquilla Carnival will be taking place from approximately February 22 to 25.

 

8. Ivrea Carnival, Italy

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The Carnival of Ivrea is a grandiose mix of history, carnival traditions and an interesting war of oranges. Ivrea is a city located in Turin, northeastern Italy. Every year, thousands of people gather to be part of one of the most popular carnival celebrations in the whole country and the world. The carnival arose thanks to severalhistoric events in the city, one of them the assassination of a tyrant by a girl, today known as Mugnaia.

 

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The city of Ivrea boasts one of the most unique carnivals in all of Italy. This is one of the most unique festivals in the country, not only for its lively theme with historical characters, but also for its great battle of oranges. During the latter event, the city is divided into9 teams, each throwing oranges at each other for several days. In addition, the carnival also features popular food and drinks.

 

The Ivrea Carnival usually takes place between the months of February and March.

 

 

7.Viareggio Carnival, Italy

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The seaside town of Viareggio is located in Tuscany and boasts one of the most impressive carnivals in all of Italy. Carnivals have been taking place in the city since the 19th century, developing ever since. The Viareggio Carnival has acquired such importance in the country, that they saw themselves in the task of establishing an identity of their own, along with a mascot for the carnivals.

 

 

Remarkable elements of this carnival are the large themed floats. Each year, dozens of floats are presented in the different categories: First floats, second floats, masked groups and individual category. These categories are related to the number of members of each group. Each of the first and second floats enjoy an incredible size, theme and hundreds of colors. In addition, they also parade in the company of dancers and members of the group.

The Viareggio Carnival will be taking place approximately between the months of January and February.

 

 

6. Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

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The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest events in all of Spain. Carnivals have been present on the island since the time of European settlement, but the first document that speaks specifically of carnivals originates from the 18th century. Since then, the carnival has been developing to become the most awaited and visited carnivals in the country. Each year, the carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife contemplates a different theme that applies in each of its events and activities.

 

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In addition to the official carnivals of the island, it is also possible to celebrate in thestreet carnival. The street carnival involves the entire population and includes parties in bars, clubs, restaurants and kiosks. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is illuminated and filled with hundreds of cultural groups, musicians and comparsas that accompany the parades in the magical carnival season.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is planned to take place from February 23 to March 6.

 

 

5. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

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Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is a perfect blend of cultural elements and modern Caribbean festivities. Carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago have been present on the island since the 18th century, but these were celebrated by free and white men, not slaves or people of color. The celebrations for the latter were through secret meetings. It was not from the 19th century that the cannes brulées, the festivity that precedes the current carnivals, began to be officially celebrated.

 

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Today, the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an extremely important vehicle of cultural expression for the country. Moreover, it is the most famous and important carnival in the Caribbean area. Every year around 40,000 people congregate on the island to be part of the fantastic events such as the J’ouvert, the Mas Band Parade and the different musical shows that take place in the vast majority of Caribbean countries.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

 

4. Nice Carnival, France

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Nice is a city located in the Alpes-Maritimes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur department and is the epicenter of one of the most beautiful and colorful carnivals in all of France. The first records of the carnival in Nice date back to 1294, but it was celebrated in a much less sophisticated way. Today, the Nice Carnival represents one of the most popular and important in the whole country.

 

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The most outstanding events in the Nice Carnival are Bataille de Fleurs, Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé and Corso Carnavalesque – Parade Nissarda, which feature a grandiose participation of bands, dancers, acrobats and artists. In addition, it also has a good number of themed, colorful and decorated floats are political and cultural personalities of France.

 

The Nice Carnival is generally held between the months of February and March.

 

 

 

 

3. New Orleans Mardi Gras, United States

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New Orleans Mardi Gras is the biggest and best-known carnival celebration in all of the United States and the entire world. Like many other Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana, the New Orleans Carnival is a colorful and exciting event that brings people of various nationalities together in the city of New Orleans. Mardi Gras arrived in the state of Louisiana in the year 1699. Since then, it has been developing, positioning New Orleans as one of the best and wildest events in the country.

 

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During the celebration, the entire city is covered with the characteristic colors of Mardi Gras: Green, yellow and purple. All the Mardi Gras groups, better known as krewes are the most important events of the Mardi Gras season. Each of the krewes organizes large parades and dances Mardi Gras. Every year, these parades members throw hundreds of gifts, candy and the characteristic collars beads. In addition, a lot ofKing Cake is also eaten. Every week since January there are big parades, as well as family activities, parties and entertaining events.

 

 

New Orleans Mardi Gras will be taking place on approximately March 1.

 

 

2. Venice Carnival, Italy

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The Venice Carnival is arguably one of the most famous and influential events in the entire globe. The carnivals in Venice have always been known for their magical and colorful festivities, mysterious and enigmatic masks and pompous and elaborate costumes. The celebration in the city of Venice is a conglomeration of events that take place in the city canals, streets, villages and private clubs.

 

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The city of Venice offers a lot of impressive events such as Festa Veneziana sull’acqua, Il Volo dell’Angelo, the Festa delle Marie, the Svolo del Leone and Il Concorso della Maschera più bella. However, many events happen in every corner of the city. In addition, many private establishments, clubs and palaces offer a generous amount ofcostume themed parties.

Venice Carnival will be held from approximately February 19 to March 1.

 

 

1. Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil

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The city of Rio de Janeiro is home to the most famous, impressive and influential carnival in the entire world. Every year, millions of people travel to the city to be part of an impressive spectacle at the sambódromo Rio de Janeiro. This venue is the meeting point of several professional samba schools in the city, which compete against each other to be the deserving winners of thetitle of winners. The parades consist of a largegroup of dancers and members of each school who perform a repertoire of dancing, singing and music which they accompany with huge colorful floats. The whole show is a true act of magic mixed with colorful costumes and an incredible party atmosphere.

 

 

In addition to the spectacular Carnival parades, there are also severalstreet performances carried out by the blocos. The blocos are large carnival groups that, with the help of instruments, and even trucks, set out to entertain all the visiting public. These events are completely public, so it is known as the true street carnival and popular. Likewise, incredible theme parties are also held in different establishments, hotels, halls and plazas with all kinds of entertainment and services.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival will take place from approximately February 21 to 26.