Carnivals Around the World

10 Feb Carnivals Around the World

Carnival is one of the most vibrant celebrations on the planet — a powerful mix of music, dance and cultural heritage, experienced in a unique way in every destination. For travellers from Ghana, where festivals and street celebrations are an important part of community life, these carnivals offer a familiar sense of rhythm, colour and shared joy. In Badajoz, Spain, lively comparsas and murgas take over the streets with humour and creativity. The celebrations reach their peak with the Grand Carnival Parade and the traditional “burial of the sardine,” a symbolic event that marks the end of the festivities.

In Rio de Janeiro, carnival is on a whole different scale. The spectacular samba school parades and the crowning of King Momo at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome turn the city into the beating heart of Brazilian celebration. 

Meanwhile, the Barranquilla Carnival in Colombia stands out for events like the Battle of the Flowers and the Grand Parade, blending music, dance and cultural influences in a festival recognised worldwide for its heritage.

Bolivia’s Oruro Carnival is deeply symbolic and spiritual, with the famous Diablada dance representing the struggle between good and evil. 

In Europe, Belgium’s Binche Carnival features masked Gilles who parade through the streets throwing oranges to the crowd, while the Nice Carnival in France dazzles with its Corso parades and colourful Flower Battles.

 In Annecy, elegance takes centre stage with a silent procession of masked figures.

Finally, New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras, as krewes, floats and bold colours transform the city into a non-stop celebration.