5 Places in the World to Enjoy the Carnival
No matter what you call it, karneval, Mardi Gras or carnival, this festival is full of happiness, mischief and just the right amount of hedonism. If you are looking for the best place to enjoy this famous party, do not miss our list. We assure you that, if you choose the site you choose, you will not be disappointed.
5 Places in the World to Enjoy the Carnival
1. Lose your head in Cologne
Do you want to disguise yourself as a pirate and walk down the street without anyone looking at you? So the Cologne carnival is the perfect one for you. The carnival of Cologne originally arose with the same objective as a bachelor party: as an excuse, free rein to all thoughts and hedonistic activities just before Lent. At present, the party is a mixture of costumes, parades and, of course, beer in abundance. It is celebrated in Germany, after all.
The carnival completely seizes Cologne; so much so, that this time is no longer considered part of the winter: the carnival is the fifth season of the year in the city. Huge floats, street parties and music create the perfect atmosphere. So let yourself go crazy and turn up the volume, it’s time to celebrate!
Dates: from February 28 to March 6, 2019
2. Get carried away in Trinidad and Tobago
This two-day party hits very hard. If you do not worry too much about losing a couple of hours of sleep, the Trinidad Carnival will enchant you. Giving the starting gun with a party where mud and oil are disguises, this celebration of music and culture of the island goes through the city making a lot of noise.
Although it may seem that the party is a bit chaotic, in reality everything is very well organized to finish at Queen’s Park Savannah. Here the celebrations come to an end with a ceremony in which awards are given to the best comparsa, the King and Queen of the bands and King Calypso, one of the main honors that can be received on the island.
Dates: from March 4 to 5, 2019
3. Give yourself to the samba in Rio de Janeiro
Drums, feathers, sequins and costumes that leave little to the imagination. The carnival of Rio de Janeiro is world famous, and rightly so. More than 2 million visitors gather every day to experience the Technicolor party in person. For the 200 participating samba schools, this is their chance to compete (and make as much noise as they can) for the parade’s honors.
If you do not want to find yourself in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of street parties, buy a ticket for the sambadrome. There you can rest your feet with a drink and enjoy the best carnival events.
Dates: from March 1 to 9, 2019
4. Go incognito in Venice
Definitely, Batman knew what was being done. The masks are a great accessory for when you want to do some mischief (better than a legal one). Whether you opt for a bauta or a colombina, you will need a mask to celebrate the Venetian carnival like the Venetians.
In spite of its origins (the celebration of a military victory of 1162), nowadays the emphasis is on the party that is celebrated in the street and on touring the canals. To fully enjoy this experience, take out your creativity and make your own mask. Can you think of a better memory and a better way to find your friends among the crowds?
Dates: from February 16 to March 5, 2019
5. Live the magic in New Orleans
Welcome to the New Orleans carnival , where bead necklaces are extremely popular and the word “sleep” does not exist. With its reputation as a party city throughout the year, its carnival is not for beginners.
During the five days before the carnival, the population of the city doubles. Once the party begins, the krewes (local social clubs) present at least one parade a day and fill visitors with moon feet, necklaces and other beads. If you want to know the history of this party, take a break and join a walking tour.
