Carnival season has finally started in Europe with the carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The Carnivals are held in areas with a large Catholic or Orthodox tradition before the Easter fasting.

Even if the carnivals started as a Christian tradition, they became huge tourist attractions all over the world. There is no better place for a tourist to understand a country traditions and culture than at a carnival.

Best Carnivals Across The World

If you are looking for a reason to go on a holiday or a break and you’re wondering where to go or which carnival to attend, we made a list for you with the Best Carnivals Across The World.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans – USA

Mardi Gras is an annual Carnival celebration in New Orleans, United States. This year the parades will begin on February 6th and will end on February 17th. The parades in New Orleans are organized every day, sometimes even several daily. Most of the tourist activities are organized in Bourbon Street and in the French Quarter.

Carnival of Venice, Italy

The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival held in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. It starts on 31st of January and end on 17th of February. The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest in the world, it started in 1162 as a celebration to honour the people’s victory against the Patriarch of Aquileia.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, Spain

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held every year in Santa Cruz the capital of the largest of the Canary Islands: Tenerife. It starts on 21St of January with the presentation of the candidates and ends on 22nd of February.
It is considered the second most popular carnival in the world after the Rio Carnival.

Cologne Carnival, Germany

The Cologne Carnival is held every in Cologne, Germany. Also called “fifth season of the year”, Cologne Carnival first took place in 1823. The carnival celebrations start early in November, but the “crazy days” start takes place between the Fat Thursday and ends on Ash Wednesday.

Carnaval de Quebec, Canada

Carnaval de Québec or The Quebec Winter Carnival is a festival held every year in Quebec City, Canada. Carnaval de Québec first took place in 1894 and is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. It starts on 28th of January and ends on 15th of February. All the parades are led ny the carnival mascot called Bonhomme.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Carnival is the most famous carnival in the world. It is held every year and dates since 1723. The carnival starts on the 13th of February and ends on the 17th. The carnival is famous for the samba schools parades and they are broadcasted in several countries. People who want to take part, should book the tickets at least 4 months before.

Rijeka Carnival, Croatia

The Rijeka Carnival is held annually in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. The carnival first took place in 1982 and is the most famous carnival in Croatia. The carnival starts on 23rd of January and ends on 15th of February with an international parade.

Ivrea Carnival, Italy

Ivrea Carnival or the Battle of the Oranges, is a festival in northern Italy where organized groups throw oranges between each other. The festival first took place in 1808 and at first the battle was fought with beans. Now the battles take place in the city squares between orange throwers and teams on carts.