The display of colors, costumes, traditions, music, dance and energy, among other condiments of great visual and scenographic impact that carnivals generate, attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, which is why many cities around the world imposed this celebration as a transcendental event in its annual tourist calendar.
A few days before a new edition of this celebration, which will take place in mid-February, Civitatis, the online distribution platform for guided tours, excursions and activities in Spanish in more than 160 countries, listed the destinations with the most spectacular carnivals and of greater demand by travelers.
“There are more and more users of our platform who decide to travel during these dates to discover, enjoy and be infected by the joy that the carnivals transmit in different destinations around the world,” said Nicolás Posse, country manager of Civitatis Argentina.
Along these lines, Civitatis offers different thematic activities, such as a tour of the origins of carnival, a Venetian mask workshop, a carnival party on a Venetian galleon, allusive free tours, a visit to a samba school rehearsal and/or a walk through the wings where you can experience behind the scenes where the floats and costumes of the parades, among others, are created.
Rio de janeiro Brazil
Rio de Janeiro not only has one of the most grandiose, fabulous and crowded carnivals in the world, but it is also one of the most sought-after destinations for Argentinians to travel to during their summer vacations.
This year, tourists who visit the Brazilian city during the second half of February will be able to witness the Samba Schools parade and the floats with their incredible performances at the Sambódromo da Marqués de Sapucaí. A true cultural wonder that combines dance, traditions, religious syncretism and Brazilian history.
In addition to the Sambódromo events, other shows are held, such as private and other street and public parties.
New Orleans, United States
In the American city of New Orleans, Carnival is known as “Mardi Gras,” which is French for “Fat Tuesday” and refers to the practice of eating high-fat foods before the Lenten fast.
During these days, the American city dresses up and its arteries are colored with daily parades of floats and costumed people in surprisingly elaborate and striking costumes. There is also a large party on the banks of the Mississippi River that lasts all day and stalls selling typical foods such as King Cakes.
Venice Italy
The Venice Carnival is one of the most glamorous and oldest in the world. Its fame is due not only to the sophisticated design of costumes and masks that allude to its beginnings in past centuries, but also to being framed in the cinematographic environment starred by its channels.
They are two weeks during which the Venetian streets are filled with tourists who seek to interact and be photographed with masked costumes of great style, originality and elegance, in addition to participating in parties, parades, urban shows and various historical recreations.
Nice, France
The Nice Carnival not only involves a display of floats, parades, food stalls, and street performances, but it is also framed in the paradisiacal landscape that the Mediterranean offers.
Due to the number of visitors who participate in this festival, it is considered one of the largest in the world. Its main attractions are the flower parade and its very tasteful ornamentation, the floats with royal characters and the small boat that burns in the sea with a closing of fireworks over the water. There are also parties, lots of dancing and fun.
Oruro, Bolivia
The Oruro Carnival is one of the largest tourist attractions in the South American country where the culture of the Andes merges with the traditions of Spanish colonization. The town, located in the Bolivian highlands, gained relevance thanks to this event also known as Devil's Carnival, which is more than 200 years old and was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
During these days, moving religious ceremonies are carried out, as well as dances and displays of traditional folkloric musical groups starring people dressed in extravagant, colorful costumes.
One of the must-sees of this event is the great pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Socavón, a parade that lasts twenty hours over four kilometers and is made up of almost fifty groups made up of dancers and musical bands dressed in costumes that honor their ancestral traditions.