The Best Carnival Celebrations in the World
Carnival is a major tradition in many regions and diverse cultures around the world. People dress up, there are parades and parties, food and drink abound, and of course lots of promiscuity. Do you know where this thrilling and historic custom comes from? Carnival festivals have been a part of human folklore for centuries.
It turns out that different ancient civilizations (dating back several thousand years) had their own origins for Carnival. The ancient Greeks celebrated the god Momo at this time, the god of poets and writers. Momo is a cheerful and humorous spirit who mocks everything, even other gods. Instead, the Romans dedicated an annual feast to celebrating Dionysius, the god of wine and merriment. For the Sumerians, it was important to ward off evil spirits from plants by holding large feasts. Meanwhile, the Egyptians at this time consecrated it to Apis, a god associated with fertility according to apopkarotaryfair.org.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, has its roots in 17th and 18th century European traditions in the House of Bourbon. Carnival used to be a party for the privileged few, but today it is a merry-go-round party attended by people of all ages who take to the streets in increasing numbers. When it comes to clothes, anything goes! Don’t be shy about wearing the most obscure and outlandish Carnival costumes. You’ll also need to bring a backpack to carry everything, including the beads and cups thrown from the fancy floats passing by in the New Orleans parade.
Venice Carnevale (Italy)
A golden veteran on this list, the Carnival of Venice is said to date back to the 12th century. If you want to know more about its history, don’t miss this interesting tour of its origins . Over nearly 900 years, Venice’s Carnival celebrations have evolved quite a bit, but the tradition of wearing masks remains a central component and has become part of other Carnival celebrations around the world. Even if you travel to Venice at a different time of year, you can learn how to make these traditional masks at a Venetian mask workshop.
Tenerife Carnival (Canary Islands, Spain)
Tenerife hosts many festivals throughout the year, but none can match its famous Carnival celebrations, which is considered the second most popular Carnival party in the world after Rio de Janeiro. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival has filled the streets with explosions of joy and showers of color for several centuries. The city becomes a big rainbow party for 15 days of extravagance, including a gala to elect a Carnival queen, costumes, pageants and a bohemian parade. On a break from the partying while you’re in Tenerife, be sure to try the local Canarian food!
Cologne Karneval (Germany)
The Cologne Carnival season (which is usually called the “fifth season”) officially starts earlier than most other seasons. The main events occurred in February. The party starts with the Women’s Carnival, when locals wear party clothes to work, followed by an evening of masquerade balls and celebrations that last late into the night.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival (Brazil)
The world’s most famous Carnival celebration began in 1723 and attracts more than two million people each day to the celebrations. More than 200 blocs, or artist groups, take to the streets in Rio during the day, and the celebration lasts all night, even into the next morning or into the next day. Check out this ticket to see the Carnival parade from a special vantage point at the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí , a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Oruro Carnival (Bolivia)
What was once a traditional celebration has now become a celebration closely linked to religious symbolism in the form of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Uncle Supay (God of the underworld). These two icons guide the festival, which features a ritual known as the “devil’s dance”, La Diablada, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.