Did you know that, even though Brazil is the biggest reference when it comes to Carnaval, other countries around the world also celebrate it? Many people think that only our big country Brazil celebrates during this period. However, even if ours are the best – modesty aside – countries like England, the United States, France, among others, also have a tradition of commemorating the date with great celebrations known worldwide.
So, even if you love to spend Carnaval here in Brazil, there are other great countries to enjoy the date. Want to find out which are the best countries to travel to during Carnaval? Keep following along and see what Carnival is like around the world!
Nice – France
As in other countries, the Carnival in Nice, called Mardi Gras, was inspired by the feasting and great banquets that preceded the Lenten period in the past. The tradition of the popular party lasts until today, with parades of floats and giant papier-mâché dolls that take over the city’s waterfront.
Another very traditional celebration is the Battle of Flowers, a moment when characters from the floats throw thousands of flowers to the revelry audience, filling the festive atmosphere with colors and scents.
New Orleans – USA
The New Orleans Mardi Gras, or Mardi Gras as it is known, is one of the largest street carnivals in the United States. Very popular worldwide, the revelry attracts tourists from all over the world. As well as in Nice, the festivity has the concept of Fat Tuesday, as it was a day used for eating, drinking and partying before the beginning of Lent.
The date is celebrated during the same period as the Brazilian holiday, but the biggest celebrations happen on the weekend, with parties, parades, lots of people in costumes and lively celebrations.
Londes – England
In London the story is a little different. Due to the freezing cold of the country, the English prefer to celebrate Carnival in August, when the temperatures are a little higher and the weather is more favorable for parties.
Unlike the countries mentioned above, Carnival in England began for a political reason, and not a religious one: it was a form of demonstration against the discrimination suffered by immigrants from Trindad and Tobago. However, the demonstration – which was peaceful and lively – grew and took on other dimensions, becoming a popular party inspired by the festivities in Rio de Janeiro.
It is even a tradition that great artists and performers from Rio’s Carnaval are invited to participate in the parties with electric trios, parades, and improvised stages.
Barcelona – Spain
If you love Brazilian Carnaval, Spain must surely be on your list of the best countries to travel to during Carnaval. The festivities in the country are very similar to the party in Brazil and, in addition, the country has the reputation of having one of the most popular Carnivals in the world.
In Barcelona, King Carnestoltes, the fictional character that represents the party and is the symbol of Carnaval, is the one who officially opens the festivities. He gives everyone permission to have unlimited fun, and only then the mess starts and goes on until Tuesday night. The festivities are marked by grand parades, masquerade balls, neighborhood parties, eating contests, and even the choice of the Carnival queen.
Venice – Italy
The city of love is transformed into a gigantic open-air masquerade ball during the carnival period. With a theatrical and mysterious touch, the masks used in the Venetian celebration have an ancient tradition. During the ancient celebrations, the nobles and the people were allowed to eat, drink and party without revealing their identities. Therefore, they could do whatever they wanted without fear of the consequences.
Many parties take place in old palaces, with masquerade balls and traditional dress. But there are also the street celebrations that take over St. Mark’s Square, where everything happens.
Quebec – Canada
If Londoners opted to escape the cold for the Carnival celebrations, Canadians embraced the temperature and kept the party going below freezing. People enjoy the festivities in February, when temperatures can reach around -15º.
The Quebec festival is known as the largest winter Carnival in the world, and the celebrations can last up to 3 weeks. One of the most traditional games of the Carnival celebration is diving into the snow wearing only bathing suits. In addition, Canadians also enjoy concerts, parades, sporting competitions, and fireworks during the holidays.
Did you like to know the best countries to travel to during Carnaval around the world? Which Carnaval, besides the Brazilian one, would you most like to experience?
