Great Places to Celebrate Carnival

Carnival is one of the world’s great celebrations. Who hasn’t dreamt of being part of the revelry in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, home of the world’s most famous Carnival celebration? But, Carnival has deep roots in places like Italy, Belgium and Louisiana, too.

In Catholic and some Eastern Orthodox traditions, the six weeks before Easter is the Lenten period, traditionally observed by fasting and other austere practices. Long ago, in the days just before Lent, people would gather for parties to enjoy the rich food and drink that would not be allowed during Lent. Through the centuries, this practice evolved into what we now know as Carnival.

This year, Carnival begins on February 18 and ends on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, February 21. Where would you like to celebrate?

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the largest in the world. Highlights include the glittering Samba Parade, elegant balls, street parties and street band parades. After partying late into the night, you can relax and enjoy the sun on one of Rio’s gorgeous beaches during the day.

Many Carnival traditions, such as parades and masquerade balls, were first recorded in medieval Italy. At the ancient Carnival of Venice, everyone wore a mask so they could mingle and celebrate without being identified by social class. This tradition continues at the modern Carnival of Venice, where a contest to select the best mask is a highlight.

Carnival in the Belgian town of Binche dates back to the 14th century. It features the antics of the Gilles, clown-like characters who wear vibrant costumes, wax masks and wooden shoes. They march through the town, dance, brandish sticks to shoo away evil spirits, and throw oranges to the crowd.

In the U.S., New Orleans is famous for its Carnival celebration, Mardi Gras – a legacy of the city’s early French settlers. Parades and parties begin in early January, with a citywide celebration on Mardi Gras Day, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. People congregate in the picturesque streets of the French Quarter, but the parades take place along some of the city’s wider avenues.

There’s still time to make arrangements to attend a Carnival celebration in one of these locations or many others around the world.