Carnival is one of the most colourful and joyous celebrations worldwide, bringing people together in a spirit of creativity, fun, and tradition. While some associate it with samba in Brazil, elegant masks in Venice, or bead-throwing in New Orleans, every country has its own unique way of celebrating.

Join us as we take a journey through the world’s most spectacular carnival celebrations and discover what makes each of them special!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The King of Carnivals

If there’s one place where Carnival reaches legendary proportions, it’s Rio de Janeiro. Every year, this dazzling event attracts millions of visitors eager to witness the breathtaking parades in the Sambadrome.

What makes it special?

• Samba schools spend the entire year preparing their extravagant performances.
• Lavish, glittering costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and jewels.
• A non-stop party fuelled by vibrant music, pulsating rhythms, and an explosion of colours.

Did you know?
The Rio Carnival holds the Guinness World Record for the largest festival in the world!

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: The European Rio

Many associate Carnival with Brazil, but Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on Spain’s Canary Islands, is home to the second-largest Carnival in the world. Often referred to as the "Rio of Europe", this Carnival is a month-long spectacle.

What makes it special?

• A grand election of the Carnival Queen, where contestants wear stunning dresses that can weigh up to 100kg (220lbs)!
• Parades featuring massive floats, dancers, and a sea of revellers.
• A mix of Latin music, salsa, and reggaeton turning the city into an open-air dance floor.

Bizarre tradition: The Burial of the Sardine
The Carnival concludes with a quirky ritual – a giant paper sardine is paraded through the streets and then burned, symbolizing the end of the festivities.

Did you know?
In 1987, over 250,000 people danced at a concert during the Santa Cruz Carnival, setting a world record!

Venice, Italy: The Mysterious Masquerade

While Rio and Tenerife bring energy and colour, the Venetian Carnival offers mystery and elegance. Dating back to the 13^th century, this carnival is famous for its exquisite masks and glamorous costumes.

What makes it special?

• Stunning handcrafted masks, often adorned with gold leaf, lace, and delicate details.
• Grand balls, lavish parties, and historical reenactments in Venice’s stunning piazzas.
• Traditional characters from Commedia dell’arte, such as Bauta, Colombina, and Arlecchino.

Did you know?
Centuries ago, masks were worn year-round in Venice, allowing nobles to mingle with commoners and gamble in anonymity.

New Orleans, USA: The Madness of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is one of the most iconic carnivals in the United States. Originating from French Catholic traditions, it has evolved into a wild street festival, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What makes it special?

• Extravagant parades, where float riders throw beads, coins, and small gifts to the crowd.
• Floats with historical, satirical, or pop culture themes.
• The official Mardi Gras colours – purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) – are displayed everywhere.

Did you know?
Catching beads at Mardi Gras is an art – the more you collect, the luckier you are said to be!

Cologne, Germany: The "Fifth Season" of the Year

In Cologne, Carnival isn’t just a festival – it’s a way of life. Known as the "fifth season" (Die fünfte Jahreszeit), it kicks off on 11 November at 11:11 AM, but the real madness begins the week before Ash Wednesday.

What makes it special?

• The city is taken over by Jecken (Carnival jesters), who dress in crazy costumes and flood the streets.
• Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Thursday) – a day when women symbolically take over, cutting off men’s ties as a playful gesture!
• The highlight is Rosenmontag (Rose Monday Parade), when over a million people gather to watch floats and catch candy (Kamelle) and flowers (Strüßjer).

"Kölle Alaaf!" – The Iconic Cheer
During Carnival, you’ll hear "Kölle Alaaf!" everywhere – in the streets, pubs, and even city hall! It’s the traditional cheer meaning "Cologne above all!"

Did you know?
Cologne’s Carnival dates back to the 18^th century and is one of Europe’s largest and oldest!

Düsseldorf & Mainz, Germany: More Carnival Madness

Cologne may be the most famous, but Düsseldorf and Mainz have their own unique ways of celebrating:

• Düsseldorf – The rivalry with Cologne is fierce, and their Rose Monday Parade is filled with political satire.
• Mainz – Famous for its humorous speeches and local Carnival TV broadcasts watched all over Germany.

Vienna, Austria: The Season of Grand Balls

While other cities indulge in street parties, Vienna does Carnival differently – with elegant balls.

What makes it special?

• The prestigious Vienna Opera Ball, attended by royalty and celebrities.
• The debutante tradition, where young men and women in white gowns open the ball.
• The famous "Blue Danube Waltz" by Johann Strauss is played at every ball.

Did you know?
Though Vienna is known for its sophistication, even here, street parties pop up on Shrove Tuesday!

Japan: Setsubun: Banishing Evil Spirits

Carnival in Japan has a different twist – instead of wearing masks for fun, people wear demon masks to drive away evil spirits.

What makes it special?

• The mamemaki ritual, where roasted soybeans are thrown while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Good fortune in!).
• Families and temples host special blessings for the year ahead.
• Adults dress as demons (oni), while children chase them away with laughter and beans.

Did you know?
On Setsubun, people eat as many soybeans as their age to bring luck and health!

Where Would You Go for Carnival?

Whether it's samba in Rio, masquerades in Venice, or crazy street parties in Germany, Carnival is a festival that brings joy worldwide.

Share your Carnival costume with us!
Which Carnival would you love to visit? Or did you dress up this year? Post your costume photo in the comments or use #LeemetaCarnivalVibes on social media!

Let’s celebrate in style!