via Paul Mannix, Flickr
Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the Western Hemisphere. It is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in francophone places. Images of elaborate, revealing costumes, city-size parties and raucous parades have been drawing hard-partiers from around the world for years. While the samba parade in Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic of the Carnival celebrations, it is far from being the only version worth attending. Fat Tuesday fests occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean and even the US and Canada are equal to Rio’s event when it comes to fun and memorable experiences. The party culminates on February 16th this year, but the good times start rolling well before that.
Here are the best destinations to enjoy the world’s biggest party.
Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the biggest of these celebrations. That is enough of a reason for many travelers to head south of the Equator in early February. However, a trip to Brazil is expensive (airfares from the US are currently hovering the $700-$800 range). The city is notorious because of its crime problem and non-Portuguese speakers might find it intimidating to get around the crowded streets during the festivities. That said, it is difficult to imagine that other Carnivals can match the atmosphere and sheer good times at the main samba parade and the many neighborhood-wide parade/street party events held throughout the city.
But Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival at least comes close. The laid-back island vibe of this festival is a major positive for visiting revelers. Party trucks, complete with towering speakers and mobile DJs are as common a sight as ornate floats. There is plenty of dancing in the streets. Bands, with percussion instruments vie for prizes. Their ornate costumes are not the only ones on the street. Locals and tourists don colorful, sometimes skimpy outfits as well. The five day affair, beginning on February 12th this year, is characterized by the unique culture of Trinidad, with African, Caribbean, French, Latin American, and South Asian influences evident. The fact that Trinidad is an English-speaking island and the reasonable airfares from the US (from $400), are major positives for would-be American Carnival attendees.
via Vince Alongi, Flickr
In the US, New Orleans holds the biggest Carnival festival. It is, of course, known as Mardi Gras. The epicenter of the party takes place on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. Revelers stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets and the bars and balconies are also filled to capacity. Of course, there is more to Mardi Gras in the Big Easy than this small strip of pavement. Groups known as Krewes put on parades throughout the city in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. The major parades take place in the Uptown and West Bank districts on Tuesday morning. Yes, the all-out party in the French Quarter can be rowdy and over-crowded, but New Orleans is still the gold standard for Mardi Gras in the US. It is, of course, cheaper to fly to New Orleans than to international destinations that celebrate Mardi Gras, but hotels, from five-stars to respectable bed-and-breakfasts, are difficult to come by unless you book well in advance.
Brazil’s Spanish-speaking neighbor, Uruguay has one of the longest-running Carnivals in the world. Like other Carnivals the festivities start late in January with the parades and dancing in the streets culminating on Fat Tuesday. But the capitol of the country, Montevideo, hosts celebrations and Carnival-related events until late March. Despite the fact that most of its citizens are descended from European ancestors, many of the celebrations have a decidedly African vibe.
via A. da Silva, Flickr
Skimpy, colorful outfits, dancing in the streets, percussion-heavy music and parades are not confined to the end of January and beginning of February. In the US Virgin Islands, Carnival takes place in late April (starting on the 27th, this year). This is one of the more popular events in the Caribbean and has something for everyone. There are separate parades for families and the general public, and an adult-centered parade that takes place on the final day of the festival. Not only does the late date give would-be revelers some extra time to plan, but passports are not required to travel to and from the USVI, making it one of the more convenient Caribbean destinations for US-based travelers.
Toronto’s Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture held each August in Toronto, has a Carnival-like vibe and draws more than a million people each year. Attractions include parades, fashion shows, musical performances and art shows. Packages including hotel and event tickets start at just over $200.
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