Spring is slowly leaving us while summer is almost here! It’s the best time to make new memories while meeting new people and experiencing new things. Part of having the best summer is going on adventures with friends. There are many things you can do depending on where your interests lie. One of the most popular ways for young people to spend the summer holidays these days is going to festivals. On top of that, many people choose festivals or carnivals abroad instead of attending the ones in their home country. Even though attending festivals and carnivals is most popular during the summer, most of them are available all year long! Here are five of the best festivals and carnivals all over the world for you to see.
1. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, United States
Occurring every year on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), Mardi Gras is a celebration before the fasting season of Lent begins. Even though it has a religious significance, the carnival doesn’t lack fun or festivities. Even though Mardi Gras is a French tradition, people celebrate it all over the world. You can attend Mardi Gras celebrations all over Europe, and of course in New Orleans. Some of the most common aspects of this carnival include costumes and drinking. The festival also includes many other fun activities, such as zip lining from one building to another and concerts by various famous artists.
2. Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Tenerife, Canary Islands
This carnival also celebrates the fasting period of Lent, however, this one starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday. This gives the festival-goers plenty of time to enjoy the colorful costumes and fun for a little longer. This carnival in the largest city in the Canary Islands attracts many people from all over the world. Also, its attraction stems from the warm weather and positive energy, which people appreciate a lot.
3. Rio Carnival – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
The biggest carnival in the world, Rio Carnival is the definition of fun. It attracts over 2 million people from all parts of the world to its streets every year. Its other name is “the biggest show on Earth,” which sums up just how exciting the festival is. Additionally, it lasts for five days and, just like the previous ones, falls around Lent. The first carnival started in 1723 and carries on to this day.
4. Aalborg Carnival – Aalborg, Denmark
The Aalborg Carnival is the biggest carnival in Northern Europe, and it’s located in the second-largest city in Denmark. This carnival occurs on the last Saturday of May, and it attracts thousands of people from all over Europe. Every year, there is a theme for participants’ costumes, but it’s not a must to follow that rule. However, there are great prizes if you do! It all starts with an International Parade, where professional dancing and costume groups perform. Afterward, the party starts in a traditional Danish spirit.
5. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
This carnival is well-known for its colorful costumes and exuberant celebrations. Moreover, it lasts for two days and its participants, who express their cultural heritage through their costumes, often travel on trucks blasting loud music. The carnival is all about happiness and joy, and the citizens of the country are more than welcoming to all the attendees. It’s an event that you should see at least once in your life!
If you like to experiment with your spring and summer plans, and you’re a fan of music and dancing, then at least one of these carnivals should be up your alley. You will make friends for life, experience new cultures and make great memories!
Did we miss some of your favorite carnivals? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image via Unsplash
