When the carnival season comes around each year, cities turn into explosions of color and costumes. This tradition usually starts around Three Kings Day and continues until Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the Lent period, characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures and fasting for Christians around the globe. Hence why carnival is such a lively and energetic event.
New Orleans Mardi Gras
This world wide famous festivity that falls on February 14 2024 can be traced back to medieval Europe, Rome and Venice being the original birthplace of carnival, which then expanded to France. As France began colonizing the United States of America, a French explorer arrived near New Orleans and named the place “Pointe du Mardi Gras.” Upon noticing that it was the eve of the celebratory holiday, he carried on the tradition, which eventually gained popularity and became the now-celebrated Mardi Gras.
If you get the chance to visit this festival, you will notice that some colors stand out. This is because the colors green, purple and gold are the official colors of Mardi Gras, representing faith, justice and power.
Mardi Gras has been an official state holiday in Louisiana since 1875, as it is very special to the people. According to law and tradition, float riders must wear masks. What started out as a way to associate with a different identity, is now a way to keep an air of mystery. Hence why even the Mardi Gras king or queen is kept unidentified.
Rio De Janeiro
With nearly two million people on the streets every day, the Rio de Janeiro carnival is regarded as the largest carnival in the entire globe.
The annual celebration (which is from February 9 to 17 this year) is held in true Brazilian fashion. The heart of the event and attraction of the Rio Carnival is
the Samba Parade, celebrated in real Brazilian style. Ten to fifteen samba schools choreographed dances in elaborate, exotic and flashy costumes that usually tell a short story to win the prestigious championship title every year.
During the Carnival, every inch of Rio de Janeiro screams party. The partying starts a day before the official start of the Carnival and lasts until a day after the festivity formally ends. If you can manage to secure a ticket for the glamorous parties don’t be surprised to see celebrities. However, there are also parties organized by street groups called ‘blocos,’ which usually begin in a small circle and as they march through the streets more and more people gather.
Venice
The Venice Carnival is known for the extravagant masks that can be seen on participants. The wearing of the Venetian mask was a way for people to hide their social status and identity and socialize with whoever they wanted to freely.
According to a legend, the Carnival of Venice began after the military victory of the Venetian Republic over the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162. In honor of this victory, the people started to dance and gather in St. Mark’s Square. Allegedly, this festival started in that period and became official during the Renaissance.
A legend states that the Venetian Republic’s military triumph against the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162 marked the start of the Carnival of Venice, as people began to assemble in St. Mark’s Square and dance in celebration of this win.
However, under the rule of the Holy Roman Emperor the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the 19th century, and became an occasion for artistic creations. This is also the time when a college student decides to redevelop the masks, making them more decorative for the tourist trade.
A highlight throughout the festivity is the contest for “La Maschera più Bella” (which translates to “the most beautiful mask”) and is judged by international costume and fashion designers.
This year’s theme of the Carnival is “Marco Polo’s Amazing Journey” in honor of his 700th death anniversary, hence why he is back to his roots in the Venice Lagoons from February 3 to 13 2024.
Virginia Beach
If you want to experience a carnival this year too and don’t want to travel all the way to another country, the Virginia Beach Carnival is a great place to go. It takes place in the summer from July 18 to July 21. The 2024 carnival will be the second annual carnival at the oceanfront in Virginia, but the organizers are hoping to make it the largest Caribbean festival on the East Coast with colorful costumes, classic sounds of the steel pan and drums, as well as Caribbean cuisine, drinks and concerts.
