The Biggest Carnivals In The World in 2023 | RatePunk
New Year's Eve party is one of many times to dress up creatively and party til the following day. People love celebrations and vibrant festivals and colorful carnivals because of cheerful music, fancy parades, jaw-dropping costumes, and much more surprises that await you. So wonder why everyone knows the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival, Carnevale di Venezia, or Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnivals. Today we’ll review the biggest carnivals in the world.
By Eglė
Published: Feb 20, 2023 • min read
Carnival in Venice or Carnevale di Venezia, Italy
When: February 4 to 21, 2023
With opulent masquerades, fancy balls, confetti, and a fairytale-like atmosphere - Carnevale di Venezia, or Venice carnival is one of the most sophisticated annual carnivals in the world. The celebration is famous for its signature - the iconic traditional 18th-century mask that is loved and worn by many participants. Because of its rich history - Venice Carnival has been celebrated since the 13th century- the festival created a magical and enchanting backdrop for the costumed participants.
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
Dates: February 15-23, 2023
It is the Caribbean's biggest annual carnival held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad. The carnival has numerous cultural events not only street parades but also limbo contests, band launches, fetes, Soca competitions, steel pan competitions, etc. However, parades are one of the most vibrant parts of the carnival. People are cheerful and dance through the streets in costumed bands. It even has a special term "playing mas" and if you want to be a part of the parade, you must join one of the bands and sign up to participate online.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil
Dates: February 17-25, 2023
If I had a chance to choose one carnival _ I would definitely go to Rio because nobody throws such awesome parties like Brazil. It's widely known that the world's largest carnival celebration is the Rio de Janeiro carnival. Each year it attracts millions of participants for a week of flamboyant, samba nonstop, body-shaking fun. Of course, it has numerous events but the most explosive one is the official Sambodrome parade (I bet I don’t need to add a description to this one). Samba, fiesta, feathers, and so much shaking shaking - this is one of the best ways to experience Brazil.
Mardi Gras, New Orleans
Date: February 21, 2023
Fat Tuesday's Mardi Gras (a day before Lent) has earned a reputation as America's ultimate street party, but New Orleans celebrates it with numerous parades that happen throughout different streets in New Orlean. It is important to note that visitors should check the routes where and when the parade is showing up!
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Dates: February 17-26, 2023
Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is famous for being one the hottest and the most stunning ones in South Europe. This carnival is famous for its crowded 24/7 street parties, parades, and free concerts. The streets are buzzing, people are wearing extravagant costumes, and keeping the spirit up. Each year Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival holds the important selection of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival Queen. Several candidates parade around on a stage while wearing the most glamorous and stunning costumes, hoping to win the crown. Check the program of the whole Sant Cruz de Tenerife carnival.
Cologne Carnival, Germany
When: February 16 to 22, 2023
Cologne Carnival is one of Europe's biggest and oldest carnivals that even locals refer it as "the fifth season of the year". Every year Cologne Carnival fever takes over the entire city: people dress up in costumes, sing out in the streets, drink various alcohol, and dance all the demons out. Let me say frankly, people say that Cologne carnival is way better and crazier than Oktoberfest.
Carnival of Binche, Belgium
When: 19 February - 21 February 2023
Binche Carnival (Le Carnaval de Binche) is a famous celebration in Belgium and one of the oldest carnivals all over the world. Because of its cultural significance, the Binche Carnival was recognized by UNESCO in 2003. It is a folkloric event that features customs, rituals, and outfits as old as dating back to pagan traditions. The main characters of the Binche Carnival are the "Gilles"- clown-like mythical creatures. Funny part, that “gilles” costume can wear only men between 3-50 years old.
Notting Hill, London
Dates: August 27-28, 2023
In the trendy West London Neighborhood of Notting Hill, each year at the end of summer people can enjoy the cheerful atmosphere at the Notting Hill Carnival. During this celebration, citizens, tourists, and carnival participants can feel like experiencing a Caribbean-style carnival: street parades, parties till the following day, colourful costumes, and dance music. Even spectators can enjoy watching colourfully costumed participants, spectate street parades, or enjoy various Caribbean food stalls along the route. So if you want to have extraordinary experience while staying in London, go grab the tickets to the Notting Hill carnival and dance!
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