From Rio de Janeiro to New Orleans, Carnival is a festivity celebrated in all corners of the world, although each version is different and irreplaceable.

Born from ancient pagan festivals in Rome, where people celebrated the end of winter through feasting and the breaking of social norms, Carnival has always centered around the idea of temporary freedom. This principle led to the adoption of costumes and the reversal of social roles, a tradition which continued to grow in popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe. For a brief time, the strict religious limits that governed daily life disappeared; encouraging public humor, satire, and social critique.

As Carnival spread to the Americas, it was reshaped by African rhythms and dances, as well as Indigenous traditions. It became a space where marginalized communities and higher classes could coexist, and where identity and self-expression were actively supported.

Today, Carnival is celebrated across the world, a magical time when the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur. Participants hide their identities behind costumes, wigs, and masks as they take to the streets to celebrate. Each country, however, has its own traditions, reflecting the history, culture, and people. Keep reading to explore how different cities conceive and celebrate Carnival.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Carnival par excellence, a grand spectacle and the most important event in the Brazilian cultural calendar, attracts millions of people every year to Rio de Janeiro to experience its atmosphere firsthand. The celebration runs from Friday to Tuesday, ending just before Ash Wednesday, a key date in the Catholic tradition. During these five days, Rio’s streets transform into an open-air party where everyone is welcome and the sounds of cymbals and trumpets fill the air.

The Sambódromo is the epicenter of samba – a vibrant blend of African and Brazilian rhythms. This stadium hosts the performances of the top samba schools, which compete for the title in front of locals and tourists alike. It represents the true essence of Carnival and is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand its uniqueness. The dancers wear elaborate costumes that reflect Brazil’s history, and visitors are encouraged to dress up as well. The location itself is symbolic, as samba originated in Afro-Brazilian communities formed by formerly enslaved people in Rio.

Italy, Venice

Venice has remained a historic Carnival capital for centuries, though it offers a markedly different atmosphere from that of Rio. Here, the festivity is celebrated during the two weeks leading up to the beginning of Lent, a period in which Christians are expected to follow strict dietary rules. The first celebration dates back to 1162, when the city organized a festival to commemorate a military victory. By the 16th century, Carnival had become an unmissable event in Baroque Europe, particularly among the aristocracy, whose taste for elegance and luxury came to define the Venetian celebration.

Strict social hierarchies were temporarily challenged through the use of iconic Venetian masks, which granted anonymity and allowed visitors to attend gender-bending parties, gambling houses, and brothels. Wandering through the city’s streets remains one of the best ways to absorb the atmosphere, although events such as the Opening Parade – with its masked performers, acrobats, and musicians – and the Festival of the Twelve Marias are also well worth attending.

Tenerife and Cadiz, Spain

Tenerife’s Carnival is another living testament to the festival’s long history, as the city has hosted it since the 16th century. This idyllic Spanish island, where the weather remains pleasant almost all year round, is filled with a festive spirit which surrounds visitors as soon as they arrive. Much like Rio’s Carnival, Tenerife’s celebration features stunning costumes, dreamy parades, and rhythmic dances, along with iconic performances such as Celia Cruz’s, who broke a Guiness World Record by giving a public concert attended by more than 200,000 spectators.

Cádiz, an Andalusian city, offers a unique take on the traditional Carnival, as social critique is hidden behind humor and satire, creating a jocular space which cannot be replicated elsewhere. There are four main categories: choirs, troupes, satirical songs, and quartets. Once the judges have chosen the winner, music and joy spill into Cádiz’s beautiful streets.

New Orleans, United States

Mardi Gras, as New Orleans’ Carnival is popularly called, is the city’s largest cultural celebration, known for its spectacular parades, masked riders, and signature throws. Madrid Gras begins on January 6, which, according to Christian tradition, marks the day when the Wise Men brought gifts to the newborn Jesus. The festivities culminate on February 17, and during this period visitors can observe how New Orlean’s streets and corners are occupied by parades and celebrations. Saint Charles avenue serves as the main artery for enjoying live music and the nonstop revelry which characterizes this beloved Carnival.

Aitana Esteban Rando

Aitana, born and raised in Spain, loves exploring new places and different cultures while staying true to her roots. She's on a mission to visit every spot that stole her heart in books and movies. Fluent in Spanish and English, she's now learning Arabic. For her, speaking different languages is the key to understand the world's beautiful diversity.