Best Places To Celebrate Carnival In The World

If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate carnival in the world, you have come to the right place! From New Orleans to the Canary Islands, if you have the pleasure of traveling to see the festivities in person, it’s a bucket list experience for the books. When it comes to traveling during these times, it’s necessary to book in advance so that you have the right accommodation ready to go. What’s even cooler is running into the festivities on your travels which has happened to me a few times. To ensure you’re not arriving AFTER the festivities, I’d look into the exact destination you’d like to visit so you can plan as there are several parades, celebrations & events over a few weeks. It’s hard to decide exactly which country/city to visit so without further ado, here are the best places to celebrate carnival in the world.

What Is Carnival?

If you’re reading this page, congratulations!!! You’re already set apart from the other tourists looking to just party. You’re here to LEARN & EXPERIENCE. For myself, I love learning about a place before I travel as it makes the experience THAT much better.

Carnival originates as an ancient Egyptian pagan festival and has evolved through history and traditions to a more Catholic celebration, marking the beginning of Lent. Celebrated in more than 50 countries, it is known for lively parades, colorful costumes, and festive activities. Carnival season typically falls between January and March and also marks the beginning of the spring season as it celebrates new life, change, and transformation. With unique traditions in different countries, such as samba blocks in Brazil, masked balls in Italy, and winter activities in Quebec, Canada.

Best Places To Celebrate Carnival In The World: Africa

Luanda, Angola (February 13-15, 2024). Angola is the world’s oldest celebration of Carnival dating back to 1162. Going into more specifics, ‘Carnival’ is associated with fun and celebration. In Latin expression ‘carne levare,’ actually translates to ‘remove meat as in the period after Lent. For more information, check it out here.
Lagos, Nigeria: (December 1-31, 2024). So much influence from modern-day Carnival comes from Africa. From the extravagant costumes to the dances and more! Visiting the birthplace of Carnival is a must! For more information, check it out here.

Best Places To Celebrate Carnival In The World: The Caribbean

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago (February 1-15 2024). What started as locals being banned from the festivities to getting emancipated and creating their carnival. There’s a two-day parade and additional community parties around the area. For more information on its history, check it out here & here & here
Bahamas (Bahamas Carnival 5/16-20, 2024 & Junkanoo 12/26-1/1). The Junkanoo Carnival (the more traditional one) marks the three days that slaves were off and with that they celebrated. Check more information out here. Looking for fun things to do in the Bahamas? Check out my post here
Barbados (August 1-6 2024). Also known as Crop Over, this festival celebrates the end of the harvesting of sugar cane. They celebrate with music and dancing & more! For more information check it out here
Aruba: (January 5-February 14, 2024): Since slavery was abolished earlier than other countries (in 1863). We’re seeing similar stories of immigrants from neighboring countries showcasing their celebratory traditions. For more info, check it out here

Celebrate Carnival In The World: The United States

New Orleans (February 13, 2024). The festivities date back to the 17th & 18th centuries with origins from Medieval Europe. Thanks to French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville who started the festivities. Since then it’s grown in popularity so check more info out right here.
Miami (Oct 5, 11, 12 & 13th 2024): For more information on celebrating all the festivities, check it out here & here

European Carnival Celebrations

Venice, Italy (January 17-February 13th). “The Venice Carnival began in 1162 in celebration of the Venice Republic’s victory over its enemy: the Patriarch or Aquileia. As time went on, the carnival was celebrated and became an excuse to have a lot of fun!”. For more information check it out here
Basel, Switzerland (2/19-21, 2024). Did you know that this celebration is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List? Roots from this carnival date back to Celtic and Germanic origins. With medieval jousts and religious festivals before Lent, visiting is a bucket list experience! For more information, check it out here.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (February 12-18). Did you know that in 1987, the carnival festivities in Santa Cruiz de Tenerife broke the Guinness world record when 250,00 people came out to celebrate? It’s time to see it for yourself. For more information, check it out here.

Best Places To Celebrate Carnival In The World: South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (February 9-17, 2024). There is really no carnival like the one in Brazil. In this case, learning about the history is better seen than told, especially at the Sambodromo festivities. For more information, check it out here.
Gualeguaychú, Argentina (January 6-February 24, 2024). The carnival festivities used to not be as extravagant; however, once the town got together to propose a parade, they charged a fee to raise money, “and even imported carnival bands from outside areas”. For more information, check it out here.
Barranquilla, Colombia (February 10-13, 2024). Its origins date back to post-Spanish conquests where afro-descendants would celebrate life with dancing, music, playing instruments, and wearing costumes. For more information, check it out here.

There You Have It

Celebrating Carnival has never been easier and with this guide on the best places to celebrate, you’ll have to start making plans and booking it. I particularly hope you enjoyed learning about the history of the festivities as well. It was very insightful to learn just how different the origins of these celebrations vary depending on the country! That’s my favorite part about doing this research is learning and debunking myths/stereotypes. Let me know which carnival celebration you’re most excited about and start messaging the group chats!