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Top 10 biggest carnivals in the world in 2025
Learn about the top 10 biggest carnivals in the world in, spanning across Europe, North America, and Latin America. Plus, prepare your costume for the adventure!
The word carnival comes from a blend of the Latin phrases carnis (meat) and levare (to leave out). It refers to the fact that Lent, the tradition where no meat is eaten for 40 days, immediately follows the Christian carnival.
While carnival’s routes are clearly religious, modern celebrations have evolved into unique festivities throughout the year; each offering a wonderful insight into local cultures and traditions.
Whether you’re thinking about the vivid and bustling streets of Rio, the mix of culture and religion in Bolivia, or the chance to connect with Caribbean cultures, carnival celebrations are unforgettable experiences!
That’s why we have prepared a list of the top 10 biggest carnivals in the world. Not only will you find out which ones are on the list, but we’ll also dive into the key dates, explain how you can prepare for the trip, and highlight the best things to do aside from the parades.
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1. Venice Carnevale – Italy
One of the oldest carnivals in the world waits for you in Venice. With nearly 900 years of history, the Venice Carnival has evolved throughout the centuries while keeping its masked traditions untouched.
If you’re planning to visit Venice during the two-week carnival season, you’ll find streets full of vivid colors and different face masks, such as the Medico della Peste, Il Moro, Morgana Fairy Queen, and many others!
- Venice Carnival dates for 2025: The carnival will last from 22 Feb to 4 March.
- How to prepare: You can rent a costume in Venice or head to the official “Costume Hire” site to choose your traditional attire.
- What to do: Participate in the Gala Dinner, join the private party at Saturnia, or take part in a costume-based bar crawl.
- Where to stay: Find a hotel or Airbnb close to San Marco, where you’ll find different options based on your budget. Plus, book in advance to access most activities during the carnival season.
- Stay connected during the Carnevale: Whether you’re showing the carnival to your friends through FaceTime or posting videos and pictures on social media, don’t forget your Italy eSIM for unlimited data during your entire trip!
2. Rio de Janeiro Carnival – Brazil
Considered the most famous and biggest carnival in the world, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival attracts the attention of travelers from across the globe for over ten days, with each day offering different festivities to live in the hot streets of Rio. The celebrations are steeped in history, with the first edition dating back to 1723!
From early morning to late night, you can experience the carnival by watching over 200 performances from different Samba schools, dancing groups from Brazil, and colorful parades with unique costumes. Then, head over to a party to complete your day. This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Rio.
- Rio de Janeiro Carnival dates for 2025: The carnival will take place from 29 Feb to 8 Mar, but celebrations can start before these dates.
- How to prepare: During the carnival, the weather is hot and humid, so if you’re not planning to ride in a parade, try to dress in fresh clothes such as shorts tank tops, or t-shirts to avoid the heat!
- What to do: Getting tickets for the Sambadrome to enjoy the parades is a must, but you can also purchase tickets for other carnival-related activities on their official website.
- Where to stay: Rio streets will be bustling throughout the carnival, so make sure to find a hotel or Airbnb close to the Sambadrome!
- Stay connected while living the Rio Carnival: Remember to get your Brazil eSIM to get unlimited data throughout the carnival!
3. Mardi Gras – USA
While the carnival season lasts almost two months, Mardi Gras occurs on Fat Tuesday – from which it takes its French name. This day is full of parties, parades, live music, and anything else you can imagine, making it a vivid and colorful celebration that started back in 1699.
While the carnival is mostly family-friendly, it’s worth noting that nudity is commonplace. So, make sure you’re aware and prepared, especially if traveling with children.
- Mardi Gras date for 2025: Mardi Gras is celebrated on 4 March, during Fat Tuesday, but the carnival season starts on January with the Twelfth Night Revelers, followed up by other activities until this celebration takes place.
- How to prepare: Anything goes at Mardi Gras, so take your imagination to a new level and prepare some colorful costumes. Alternatively, simply dress comfortably with a nice t-shirt and pants to enjoy the carnival while watching the street parades and dances as they pass. Also, don’t forget a light jacket for the night, the weather in New Orleans will be a bit cold by then!
- What to do: Depending on your location, you can participate in street parties, watch the parades, party in the French Quarter, and much more.
- Where to stay: The carnival takes place in different locations, so try to rent a hotel room or Airbnb close to the French Quarter, St. Charles Avenue, Bourbon Street, or downtown New Orleans.
- Stay connected during the Mardi Gras celebration: Whether you need internet to move around the city or ask for an Uber after a long day watching parades, don’t forget your eSIM for the USA!
4. Carnival of Binche – Belgium
The Carnival of Binche, proclaimed in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has a reputation as one of the best carnivals in the world. During the festivities, performers called Gilles deliver an extravagant yet interesting celebration.
Those dressed as Gilles perform different customs, throwing oranges at attendees for good luck, warding off evil spirits, and performing other strange practices. They are all dressed in wax masks, colorful costumes in Belgian colors, and wooden footwear, so don’t be surprised if the looks are a bit odd!
- Carnival of Binche date for 2025: The carnival takes place from 11 Feb to 13 Feb.
- How to prepare: The Binche one is more relaxed than other carnivals. Visitors don’t wear costumes, as these are only worn by chosen Gilles, so come prepared with clothes and jackets you’re ready to wash if you get hit by an orange!
- What to do: Enjoy the Gilles activities as much as possible; you can even let an orange hit you for good luck! Once the carnival is over, relaxing at a bar is the ideal way to end the day.
- Where to stay: Find an ideal place near Binche downtown. From here it will be easier to enjoy the carnival from early in the morning.
- Stay connected during the Carnival of Binche: Find your ideal data plan with the Holafly eSIM for Belgium to get unlimited data during your trip.
5. Caribana – Canada
Caribana is the largest Caribbean carnival held in North America, and it started as a celebration during the Canada Centennial in 1967. Toronto knows how to deliver a three-day celebration with different parades, colorful costumes, and events like the Carnival Queen and King, which await visitors looking to connect with Caribbean culture.
Whether you choose a colorful costume and participate in the carnival or simply live it from the sidelines with relaxed clothing, the Toronto Mas’ Bands Association, the calypso performances, and steel bands keep energy high for all types of party-goers!
- Caribana dates for 2025: This year, Caribana will occur from 31 July to 4 Aug.
- How to prepare: First, get your tickets for Caribana and look for the activities you like most; there are pool parties, an afrobeat night, and R&B, soul, and jazz festivals, so make sure you pack proper clothes and listen to some of the artists for a better experience.
- What to do: Parties are the main attraction at Caribana, with music festivals taking place during the whole celebration. Plus, parades such as the Grandes Parade and J’ouvert are a must-see.
- Where to stay: Toronto is full of hotels, Airbnb, and hostels; just make sure to book in advance because these are fully occupied during the carnival dates!
- Stay connected during the Caribana: Showing off the carnival on your social media or moving around the city requires internet, so don’t forget your eSIM for Canada.
6. Carnival of Oruro – Bolivia
The Oruro Carnival was once an indigenous festival. The carnival now takes place yearly to celebrate local culture and traditions and pay homage to the Catholic religion with rituals held for the Virgin of Socavón during a ten-day celebration.
Throughout the carnival, Oruro will be dressed in a colorful, vivid atmosphere. Attendees will also participate in daily activities, including parades, traditional folk dancing, local music, and lots of fireworks while living a unique experience at over 3,700 meters.
- Carnival of Oruro dates for 2025: The carnival will occur from 28 Feb to 4 Mar.
- How to prepare: Remember that the carnival has religious roots, so respect is the best way to prepare for it. By reading up on and following the local rules, you can enjoy the different carnival celebrations. Also, a jacket and sweater are a must because of how cold Oruro is.
- What to do: With activities to do every day, prepare an itinerary to enjoy parades – like La Diablada –, join street parties, and even pay a visit to a local church during this Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity celebration.
- Where to stay: Find an ideal hotel or hostel room near Oruro downtown to enjoy most of the activities during this ten-day carnival.
- Stay connected during the Carnival of Oruro: Aside from your costume, don’t forget your Bolivia eSIM to stay in touch with unlimited data during the Oruro Carnival!
7. Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Spain
A close competitor to the Rio Carnival, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife holds one of the most important carnivals in Spain, with a celebration that lasts for 15 days and where extravagance is everywhere you look!
During these 15 days, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival fills the street and atmosphere with pure joy and colorful costumes, where partying, parades, and nearby beaches will be part of the adventure!
- Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife dates for 2025: The carnival lasts from 31 Jan to 9 March, but the main events occur during the last 15 days of the carnival.
- How to prepare: If you stay, prepare your costume, take shorts and t-shirts for the day, and your nicest pants and long-sleeve shirts for nights, and have an open attitude; you’ll need them for the different parties and parades!
- What to do: Bohemian parades, the gala party to choose the Carnival Queen, and floats throughout the carnival are just some activities to enjoy. You can prepare your own itinerary and, of course, try the local Canarian cuisine!
- Where to stay: Plan your hotel or Airbnb stay before the carnival, as over a million visitors will arrive at the Canary Islands for this carnival.
- Stay connected during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: If you’re staying for the whole carnival or just a day, having an eSIM for Spain with unlimited data is your best ally for the trip!
8. Notting Hill Carnival – United Kingdom
Occurring every August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill prepares a celebration born of the country’s Caribbean diaspora. Music, dancing, parades, and vivid costumes take the streets for two days.
The main event, an extensive parade with many floats, steel bands, musical groups, and dance groups, provides a unique experience in West London. In the background, bass music is the event’s protagonist, which you can later enjoy once the parade ends.
- Notting Hill Carnival dates for 2025: The carnival will take place from 24-25 Aug.
- How to prepare: It all depends on what you’re planning to do. If you’re there for the live music and partying, pants and shirts will do for the day, but take a jacket as nights can be a bit cold. For the parade, colorful costumes must be part of your luggage.
- What to do: Enjoy the live stages, parades, and local band performances while connecting with the Caribbean culture in West London.
- Where to stay: Notting Hill is an easy-to-reach neighborhood in London, so booking anywhere within the capital is fine. Just prepare for big crowds on the London Underground!
- Stay connected while in the Notting Hill Carnival: An internet connection when traveling to a carnival is a must, so take your Holafly eSIM for the UK and make your way around Notting Hill, especially to navigate the confusing subway system.
9. Barranquilla Carnival – Colombia
A hidden gem awaits in Colombia: the Barranquilla Carnival. It is home to one of the biggest street party celebrations in the country, where various cultures collide for a four-day carnival that is considered the world’s second-biggest carnival.
This carnival mixes African, European, and Indigenous traditions to reflect the local diversity and history through colorful parades. The atmosphere combines dancing groups, music shows, and other festivities around Barranquilla streets.
- Barranquilla Carnival dates for 2025: The carnival will take place from 1-4 March.
- How to prepare: Make sure to prebook your carnival ticket, which you can purchase online, so you won’t miss any events. Also, make sure to pack shorts and quick-drying clothes to counter the hot weather!
- What to do: There’s a mix of activities to enjoy, but enjoying the streets full of colors during parades, dancing at a street party, and living the “Reina Popular” celebration to the max should be on your to-do list.
- Where to stay: Barranquilla has rapidly expanded and become a go-to option for travelers, so finding a hotel or Airbnb to stay won’t be hard; just make sure to book close to where festivities occur!
- Stay connected in the vivid Barranquilla carnival: To avoid roaming charges and using the Movistar network, you’ll ensure good connectivity with unlimited data using an eSIM for Colombia.
10. Cologne Karneval – Germany
While Cologne’s Carnival season begins in November, the main Cologne Karneval does not occur until February. The balls and festivities of the Women’s Carnival kick off the celebrations and are followed by activities throughout the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
During the Karneval, locals wear fancy dresses, and maidens, princes, and peasants are present throughout the different parades around Cologne. But the most important carnival celebration is the Roses Parade, held on Monday in Südstadt, where floats and candies steal the attendees’ attention.
- Cologne Karneval dates for 2025: The Karneval takes place from 28 Feb to 3 March.
- How to prepare: Pack a proper costume if you plan to participate in the parades, or grab your warmest jacket as Cologne temperatures are quite low during these days to enjoy a weekend of fun with music and food in Cologne.
- What to do: Each day of the Karneval is different, so make sure to check the activities available and choose where to go. But don’t miss the Roses Parade; it’s the most important celebration!
- Where to stay: The Karneval takes place all over Cologne, which means you’ll see parades throughout the city, but make sure to stay close to the center of the town on Monday!
- Stay connected in the Cologne Karneval: With an eSIM for Germany, you’ll get unlimited data, making it easier to move around Cologne and find the best places to enjoy the Karneval.
Tips to enjoy the top 10 biggest carnivals in the world
Whether you’re planning to visit New Orleans for the Mardi Gras or connect with the local culture in Bolivia, Belgium, or Cologne, there are some things to consider, such as buying early bird tickets or the dates when these carnivals occur.
So, here are some tips for you to remember:
- Double-check if the carnival you plan to attend doesn’t require tickets. If tickets are required, buy them in advance to get a good price and avoid sellouts.
- Every carnival around the world has its own culture, so even though they look similar, make sure to respect the traditions locals have.
- Most carnivals post itineraries days before they take place, so check them out to see which activities are better for you to do.
- Remember to get an internet connection when traveling. You’ll need it to move around the cities and show your friends and family the vivid carnivals.
No matter where you’re traveling, Holafly is your best ally to save money on roaming charges that you can use to live carnivals in the best possible way. So, get an eSIM with unlimited data; it’ll be your best travel companion!
FAQ
The biggest carnivals in the world are held in Rio and Barranquilla, but New Orleans, Tenerife, and Toronto are home to other big carnivals worldwide.
Carnival is popular worldwide, with countries having unique celebrations mixed with parades, parties, local cuisine, ancient traditions, and much more.
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Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️
