The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Celebrations Around the World

Carnival isn’t just a party. It’s a full-blown cultural explosion with music, masks, feathers, drums, dancing, and rituals that go way deeper than confetti. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and in the right place, it’s one of the most alive experiences you can have while traveling.

If you’ve ever wanted to catch Carnival but didn’t know where to go or how to do it without standing on the sidelines, this guide covers the world’s biggest and boldest celebrations. From the samba of Rio to the paint-splattered roads of Trinidad, here’s where to go and what to expect.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Iconic One

If you’ve seen one Carnival on screen, it was probably Rio. But being there is different, it’s louder, sweatier, and more unforgettable than you expect.

What makes it legendary:

• Sambadrome parades with thousands of costumed dancers and floats that take a year to build.
  
• Blocos: Street parties that pop up all over the city — no tickets, just music, crowds, and cold beer.
  
• Everyone gets involved. From favelas to beachfront hotels, Rio comes alive for five straight days.
  

When to go: The official Carnival dates vary, but usually hit February or early March. Get there a few days early for pre-Carnival blocos.

How to do it:

• Buy Sambadrome tickets in advance (Sector 9 offers a good mix of view and vibe).
  
• Join street blocos like Cordão do Boitatá or Sargento Pimenta for live samba and Beatles mashups.
  
• Book your stay early. Prices spike, and everything fills up.
  

Venice, Italy

The Elegant One

Venice does Carnival like no one else, no glitter bikinis or dance trucks here. It’s all about masks, mystery, and Old World glamor.

Why it’s different:

• Elaborate costumes based on 18th-century aristocratic fashion.
  
• Candle-lit masquerade balls in historic palazzos.
  
• The whole city turns into a surreal film set with foggy canals, masked figures, and classical music echoing through piazzas.
  

When to go: Two weeks leading up to Lent. It ends on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), so check the calendar.

How to do it:

• Rent or buy a traditional mask, bring your own mask, or better yet, attend a mask-making workshop.
  
• Walk through St. Mark’s Square in costume to join the free festivities.
  
• For high-end events, book early; some balls require black tie or period dress.
  

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

The Wild One

Carnival in Trinidad is full-throttle. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a season. Music builds for weeks, costumes are massive, and the parties never really stop.

What to expect:

• J’ouvert: The pre-dawn, paint-throwing, mud-dancing street party that kicks off Carnival Monday.
  
• Mas bands: Dressed-up groups that parade through the city, you can join one by registering in advance.
  
• Soca and calypso: The soundtrack of Carnival. Learn the tunes ahead of time because you’ll hear them on repeat.
  

When to go: The two days before Ash Wednesday, but come at least a week early for fetes and warm-ups.

How to do it:

• Join a mas band like YUMA or Tribe — they provide your costume and access to the road.
  
• Prep for J’ouvert with old clothes and zero expectations.
  
• Hydrate. Rest. Repeat. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
  

Oruro, Bolivia

The Spiritual One

Oruro’s Carnival is a mix of Catholic ritual and Andean folklore; a UNESCO-recognized fusion of faith, theater, and pageantry that feels like nowhere else.

What makes it unique:

• The Diablada: A massive devil dance with intricate costumes, masks, and choreography.
  
• Religious processions alongside satirical performances — all in one celebration.
  
• 20,000+ dancers and musicians march through the high-altitude city for hours at a time.
  

When to go: Around the same time as other Carnivals — usually February or early March.

How to do it:

• Arrive early to adjust to the altitude (Oruro sits at 12,000+ feet).
  
• Book grandstand tickets for the main parade — or watch from the street with locals.
  
• Learn about the Virgin of Socavón, whose shrine is the center of the event.
  

It’s not about drinking or dancing all night. It’s about stories told through costumes, masks, and marching.

New Orleans, USA

The Mix of Everything

Mardi Gras in New Orleans blends French tradition, Southern grit, and big-parade energy. It’s one of the most recognizable and accessible carnivals in the world.

Why it stands out:

• Parades by krewes (local social clubs) with custom floats, costumes, and bead throws.
  
• King Cake, costumes, and second-line dancing everywhere you turn.
  
• From family-friendly routes to all-night parties in the French Quarter, you choose the version you want.
  

When to go: Parades begin weeks before Fat Tuesday. The biggest events happen during the final weekend.

How to do it:

• Pick your neighborhood — Uptown and Mid-City for classic parades, Marigny and Bywater for street-level parties.
  
• Bring a costume or accessories. Everyone dresses up, even just to watch.
  
• Respect the traditions — don’t mess with the floats, and don’t assume Bourbon Street is the main event (it’s not).
  

Bonus: Not Just February

Most Carnival celebrations lead up to Lent, but there are others year-round that hit the same energy:

• Goa, India: Portuguese-influenced floats and parades in a tropical beach setting (Feb/March).
  
• Barranquilla, Colombia: Colombia’s second-largest Carnival, it’s colorful, loud, and packed with Afro-Caribbean dance (Feb).
  
• Notting Hill Carnival, London: Takes place in August, celebrating Caribbean culture with massive sound systems and costumes in the heart of London.
  

Carnival Travel Tips

Want to do it right without blowing your budget or burning out?

• Book early – especially accommodations and tickets for high-demand events.
  
• Pack light but smart – costumes, earplugs, hydration packs, and clothes you can ruin.
  
• Blend in, don’t stand out – participate, but don’t treat the event like a zoo.
  
• Know the local customs – Carnival isn’t the same everywhere. Some are spiritual. Some are political. Some are just wild.
  

And most importantly, don’t just watch. Join in the fun. Whether it’s dancing in a bloco, marching with a mas band, or wearing a hand-painted mask in a narrow Venetian alley, Carnival only really works if you’re in it.