Top Global Carnival Festivals & Events Around the World 2025

20-Second Summary

Global carnival festivals are the global celebrations that are really colourful, and they combine music, dance, costumes, and cultural traditions.

Travellers from across the world are attracted towards these festivals, and they enjoy them a lot, from the samba-filled streets of Rio to the mask-covered parades of Venice.

In this blog, we will be updating you about:

• Major carnivals
• Dates
• Parade routes
• Costume ideas
• And tips for enjoying carnival tourism in 2025

What Is Carnival? Origins & Cultural Significance

A Carnival is a festive season celebrated before Lent, with roots in European, African, and Indigenous cultures.

The carnivals, over the centuries, have grown into the spectacular international events from being just the cultural expressions of a community.

These events now combine music, dance, and unique costume traditions that reflect local histories and traditions.

Carnivals are the cultural landmarks that:

• Attracts millions of tourists
• Supports local economies
• Keeps centuries-old customs alive

Below is a tabular representation of the origin of all the carnivals with their historical significance and cultural roots.

Carnival	Country	Year/Origin	Historical Significance
Rio Carnival	Brazil	1723	Portuguese festival rootsFused with African samba.
Carnival of Venice	Italy	1162	Celebrated Venetian victoryFamous for masks.
Notting Hill Carnival	UK	1966	Caribbean cultural celebration in London.
Mardi Gras	USA	1699	French Settlers’ Masquerades and Local Traditions.
Barranquilla Carnival	Colombia	1888	Folk traditions and cumbia dances celebrate cultural heritage worthy of UNESCO recognition
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival	Trinidad	1770s	French origins, evolved with soca & calypso.

Major Carnivals Around the World

Now that we have some key information on the history of the famous carnivals around the world, let us have a look at the major Global Carnival Festivals & Events in detail.

Rio Carnival (Brazil)

• The Rio Carnival is celebrated in Brazil typically in the month of February or March, right before Lent.
• The parade route is “The Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro.”
• When it comes to the popularity of dance and music during the Rio Carnival, Samba dominates the dance style with its vibrant drumming and choreography.
• Famous costumes worn during the Rio Festival include glittering feathers, sequins, and elaborate masks.
• You should consider booking your flights and hotels early before the event, and also arrange for a tour guide to ensure safe travel.
• The highlights of this carnival event include: Samba school competitions, street parties, and massive floats

Carnival of Venice (Italy)

• The Carnival of Venice (Italy) ends on Shrove Tuesday, i.e., the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, annually.
• The event is very famous due to its elaborate masks and costumes, Masquerade balls, gondola parades, and street performances.
• It is always recommended to buy the tickets to the Carnival of Venice in advance and always stay near the San Marco Square for the best experience.
• The highlights of the Venice Carnival include the Mask competitions, historic costume pageants, and photography opportunities

Notting Hill Carnival (London, UK)

• Notting Hill Carnival occurs in London, UK, annually.
• This is a very colourful celebration of the Caribbean culture that is held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend in London. 
• This is Europe’s largest street festival, with its parade routes in West London streets, vibrant floats, and performers

• The famous costumes include: feathered headdresses and colourful outfits inspired by Caribbean heritage.
• Music & Dance includes steel pan, soca, and calypso.
• For tips on travelling around the Notting Hill Carnival, we would say to use public transport and always arrive early for the best views.
• The highlights of the festival include: Street food, live music stages, and cultural exhibitions.

Mardi Gras (New Orleans, USA)

• Mardi Gras is a pre-Lenten festival in New Orleans, USA.
• The dates for the Mardi Gras festival lead the day before Ash Wednesday.
• This is called the Fat Tuesday. 
• The parade routes include the French Quarter and surrounding neighbourhoods, and if you book the accommodations early, you can consider joining the “Krewe” parade for the insider access.
• The costumes famous for the festival include the masks, beads, and flamboyant outfits, with Jazz, brass bands, and Zydeco as the music and dance choice for the festival.
• Highlights of the festival include the Floats, masked balls, and “throws” like beads and coins.
• The festival season begins on 6th January each year and features weeks of festivals before the main event.

Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia)

The Barranquila Carnival details have been given below:

Dates

The Barranquilla Carnival takes place 4 days before Ash Wednesday, in the early March or late February. It’s Colombia’s biggest carnival and one of the biggest in Latin America.

Parade & Events

The festival starts with the Batalla de Flores parade, followed by street parades, folkloric performances and local competitions.  The parade routes go through the historic centre of Barranquilla, so you can get an immersive experience of Colombia’s culture.

Music & Dance

Music is the heart of the carnival. Expect cumbia, Mapalé and other traditional Colombian rhythms. Dance troupes will perform synchronized routines, and visitors can enjoy street performances and even take workshops. If you want to experience carnival music and dance, Barranquilla is the real deal, with high-energy Latin American traditions.

Costumes

The carnival is famous for its folk costumes and colourful masks, representing characters from Colombian folklore like Marimonda and Garabato. These carnival costumes are passed down through generations and reflect the richness of the region’s culture. Travellers can admire and respect the artistry while taking photos or even renting costumes to get a deeper experience.

Travel Tips

Barranquilla Carnival is very crowded, so plan ahead. Book your accommodations early, use public transport or taxis and follow local advice to navigate the streets safely. Don’t miss the cultural workshops, street food stalls, and artisanal markets to get involved with the local traditions. For carnival tourism, this is an authentic and colourful experience off the beaten path.

Highlights

You’ll see traditional dances, colourful floats and interactive cultural workshops. The carnival is not just a parade, it’s a full cultural immersion where music, dance, costumes and local history come together in 4 days.

UNESCO recognizes this as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Below are the details about the carnival.

Dates

• Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, in February or early March.
• It’s widely regarded as one of the most famous international carnival events, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Parade and Events

• The carnival features two main parades: the Children’s Parade and the Adults’ Parade.
• The parade routes in Port of Spain are lined with colourful floats, steelpan bands, and dancers in elaborate costumes.
• Events include J’ouvert (the pre-dawn street party), King and Queen of the Bands competitions, and a variety of smaller cultural performances throughout the city.

Music and Dance

• Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is the birthplace of Soca and Calypso music, which fuels the festival’s infectious energy.
• Visitors can join the dance-filled street parades, experience interactive workshops, or simply enjoy live music performances at various stages along the parade routes.
• The combination of carnival music and dance creates a vibrant, immersive experience for all ages.

 Costumes

• These are the highlights for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
• Known as “mas”, these elaborate outfits include feathers, sequins, beads, and thematic designs created by local designers.
• Carnival costume traditions here emphasize creativity, storytelling, and community participation.
• Many travelers choose to join a mas band, which allows them to wear these stunning costumes and fully participate in the parade.

Travel Tips

• Carnival is extremely famous, hence early planning is important.
• Book accommodations in advance, ideally near Port of Spain.
• Public transport is limited during parade days, so consider walking or organized transport services.
• Safety is really important; therefore, follow local advice and stick to designated parade areas.
• Do try the street food vendors, cultural exhibitions, and costume workshops that allow travellers to immerse themselves in carnival tourism.

Highlights

• The Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is not just a parade; it’s a four-day cultural spectacle combining music, dance, costumes, and local heritage.
• The festival is a global symbol of Caribbean culture, where visitors can witness J’ouvert celebrations, elaborate mas bands, and the infectious energy of Soca and Calypso music.
• UNESCO recognizes aspects of the carnival’s cultural expression, emphasizing its importance as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Other Noteworthy Carnivals Globally

While festivals like Rio, Venice, and Trinidad & Tobago dominate headlines, there are other noteworthy Carnivals happening globally.

These festivals also feature distinct music, dance, and costume traditions that each reflect local culture and history.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most exciting carnivals globally, including dates, highlights, and what makes them special:

Carnival	Country	Dates / Timing	Highlights & Cultural Significance
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival	Spain	Late February – Early March	The second-largest carnival globally, featuring colourful floats, drag queen competitions, and traditional Canarian dances.
Caribana	Canada	Early August	Celebrates Caribbean culture; Soca & Calypso music, street parades, vibrant carnival costume traditions.
Cologne Carnival	Germany	February – March (Rosenmontag peak)	Known as “fifth season”; satirical parades, music, elaborate floats, and local costumes.
French Guiana Carnival	French Guiana	Several weeks before Lent	Longest-running carnival; folk dances, street parades, and traditional costumes reflecting African, European, and Indigenous heritage.
Oruro Carnival	Bolivia	February – March	UNESCO-listed; indigenous rituals, folkloric dances, masks, and local music; cultural immersion beyond mainstream carnivals.

Carnival Dates Worldwide & Calendar

The carnival dates can change each year, because they are based on Easter Sunday, which is a movable feast. So the 2026 dates will not be the same as 2025.

2025 Carnivals Dates

Carnival dates change yearly based on Easter. Here’s a quick guide for the 2025 major carnivals:

Carnival	Country	Dates (2025)
Rio Carnival	Brazil	February 28 to March 4, 2025
Venice Carnival	Italy	February 22 to March 4, 2025
Notting Hill Carnival	UK	Aug 24 to 25
Mardi Gras	USA	Feb 25
Barranquilla Carnival	Colombia	Feb 28 to Mar 4
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival	Trinidad	March 3 and 4, 2025

Tentative 2026 Carnival Dates

Planning ahead? Here are the tentative 2026 dates for major global carnivals so you can schedule your trips early:

Carnival	Country	Dates (2026)
Rio Carnival	Brazil	Feb 13–21
Venice Carnival	Italy	February 7-17, 2026
Notting Hill Carnival	UK	Aug 29–31
Mardi Gras	USA	Feb 17
Barranquilla Carnival	Colombia	Feb 16–17
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival	Trinidad & Tobago	Feb 16–17

Tourism & Travel Tips for Global Carnival Festivals

Below, we have curated some tips for maximizing your great experience at the global carnival festivals and events:

• Since the popular carnivals like Rio, Venice, and Trinidad & Tobago attract thousands of tourists. Book flights, hotels, and tours early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
• Be aware of the Parade Routes because each carnival has iconic parade routes. Research them in advance to find the best viewing spots and avoid overcrowded areas.
• When attending a festival, you must dress appropriately, always bring comfortable clothing and shoes for long parades, and consider costume ideas if you want to join the festivities.

•  Respect local carnival costume traditions.
• From Samba and Soca to Calypso and Cumbia, each carnival has unique rhythms. Immerse yourself in the music and dance culture, and also attend workshops to fully experience carnival music and dance.
• Follow local advice, avoid isolated areas during late-night festivities, and keep valuables secure.
• Participate in cultural workshops, meet performers, and learn the history behind the celebrations. This enriches your experience and respects the community’s heritage.
• Book your flights and hotels 6–12 months in advance.
• Use public transport where possible.
• Costs vary for each festival, like the Rio & Trinidad are premium; Venice & Notting Hill can be mid-range, so consider the cost estimations before committing to attend a festival and also go through their cancellation policies, in case you might need to cancel.
• Respect traditions and photography rules

How to Choose Which Carnival to Attend

Making a decision around choosing a festival depends on so many factors, mainly including the  timings to resonate with your holidays, activities, interests, cuisine interests, and affordability. 

Below, we have given a quick tabular representation for each factor that you must consider before choosing your first Carnival to attend. 

Factor	What to Consider	Festival Name	Highlights	Price Range
Timing & Dates	When the carnival occurs and how it fits your schedule	Rio Carnival, Venice Carnival, Barranquilla Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival, Caribana	Parade routes, street parties, Mas bands, cultural performances	High (Venice, Rio), Medium (Trinidad), Low–Medium (Barranquilla, Notting Hill, Caribana)
Cultural Experience	Type of music, dance, and costumes you want to enjoy	Rio Carnival, Venice Carnival, Barranquilla Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival	Samba & Mas bands: Rio & Trinidad; Venetian masks: Venice; Cumbia & Mapalé: Barranquilla	Varies by festival
Crowd Size & Accessibility	How busy the carnival is and ease of getting around	Rio Carnival, Notting Hill Carnival, Barranquilla Carnival	Massive crowds: Rio & Notting Hill; smaller, more intimate: Barranquilla	Moderate planning required
Activities & Interests	Participation level and types of experiences	Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Venice Carnival, Barranquilla Carnival	Dance in parades: Trinidad; historic pageants: Venice; costume workshops: Barranquilla	Low–High depending on participation
Local Cuisine & Side Experiences	Opportunity to explore food, markets, and workshops	Barranquilla Carnival, Rio Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival	Street food, cultural workshops, artisan markets	Low–Medium

Final Remarks

Global carnival festivals are an immersive cultural experience.

Each festival reflects centuries of history, music, dance, and carnival costume traditions.

• Plan your visit using parade routes, festival dates, and travel tips to ensure a smoother and more exciting experience.
• Having proper planning, attending a global carnival festival can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime journey into music, dance, costumes, and vibrant culture.

So mark your calendar, pick your favourite carnival based on the Cruise Tidal provided guidance, and get ready to be part of the world’s most colourful celebrations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most famous global carnival festivals and events in 2025?

The top festivals include Rio Carnival (Brazil), Carnival of Venice (Italy), Notting Hill Carnival (UK), Mardi Gras (USA), Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia), and Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.

What kinds of activities happen during carnival celebrations worldwide?

Activities like parades, street parties, cultural workshops, costume competitions, live music, and dance performances can be enjoyed by the attendees along with the traditional foods and artisan markets.

What is the cultural purpose of the Carnival of Venice?

It began in 1162 to celebrate the Venetian victory and is famous for elaborate masks and historical costumes. It reflects the city’s artistic heritage.

What are the most popular carnival costume themes and traditions?

Popular themes include Samba feathers in Brazil, Mas bands in Trinidad, folk-inspired costumes in Barranquilla, and intricate masks in Venice.

Why do Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Carnival, and what makes it unique?

Trinidad Carnival celebrates the island’s French, African, and Caribbean heritage. It is unique for its J’ouvert street parties, Soca and Calypso music, and vibrant Mas bands.

How can travellers plan trips for international carnival events in 2025?

Plan early for flights and accommodations, study parade routes, follow local advice for safety and transport, and explore cultural workshops and local food to fully enjoy carnival tourism.

Which carnival is best for first-time visitors?

For those visiting first time, Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia) or Notting Hill Carnival (UK) are easier to navigate, less crowded than Rio or Trinidad, and still offer vibrant parades, music, and costume traditions for a memorable experience.