Ten of the Oldest and Most Famous Carnivals Around the World

These ten countries have been organizing these carnivals on certain dates in for years, some of them in the hundreds of years! They attract millions of tourists during carnival periods and obtain significant tourism revenues from them. Sometimes the entertainment and festivities continue for days means invaluable revenue for those regions. But we are not here to talk about money, we are here to take a look at ten of the oldest and most famous carnivals from around the world…

Nice Carnival – Since 1924

The carnival, which was first celebrated in 1924 in Nice, France, attracts millions of tourists every year in February.

Quebec Winter Carnival – Since 1955

The Quebec Winter Carnival, commonly known in both English and French as Carnaval, is a pre-Lenten festival held in Quebec City. After being held intermittently since 1894, the Carnaval de Québec has been celebrated annually since 1955

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival – Since the 18th century

santa1It is celebrated every year in February in Tenerife, the Capital of the Canary Islands. The festival has two parts: the official Carnival, and the Carnival on the street. The official carnival has more than a hundred groups, including murgas, comparsas, rondallas and other musical groups.

Munich Fasching Carnival – Since the 13th century

This organization, which takes its name from the Christian word “Fasnet” or “Fosnat” that is, great abstinence, is celebrated with various dances from past to present.

Cologne Carnival – Since 1605

Every year in Cologne, Germany, the 11th month begins to be celebrated on the 11th day of November at 11:11, and for days the people walk the streets in special clothes. Of course, tourists accompanying the local people are among the elements that add colour to the carnival.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival – Since 1699

It is celebrated on January 6 of each year in the state of Louisiana in the United States. Since it coincides with the winter period, a different parade is held every day when there is no rain.

Venice Carnival – Since 1979

This carnival, which attracts about 3 million tourists every year, is celebrated with a great feast in Venice, Italy. The most important activity of the festival is the mask competition held on the last week. As you know, Venetian masks are famous.

Carnival of Salvador de Bahia – Since 1950

According to the Guinness Book of Records, this carnival is the largest in the world. The length of the human communities in the parades can reach 25 kilometres in the city, which is visited by about 4 million people during the carnival. It should be noted that the carnival is held in the Brazilian state of Bahia.

Trinidad Carnival – Since the late 18th century

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago. This event is well known for participants’ colourful costumes and exuberant celebrations.

Rio Carnival – Since 1650

It is the most famous carnival in the world. It is held every year in Rio, Brazil, with the participation of 2 million people a day. It is very colourful with the participation of Samba school students. The carnival, which has been celebrated since the 1650s, attracts a lot of attention with samba dances to the music played.