The Best Carnivals to Experience in 2023 (and beyond...) (2024)

Catalogue

• 1. Rotterdam Carnival (Zomercarnaval), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• 2. Barbados Carnival (Crop Over), Barbados
• 3. Notting Hill Carnival, London, UK
• 4. Rio Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• 5. Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago
• 6. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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Woman in a fancy carnival outfit (source)

At the time of writing, summer is very much on the horizon - which means carnival time! Well, as we're thinking globally, there's usually a carnival somewhere, but let us ride the metaphorical summer train. Carnivals are in abundance during the warmer months, so be sure to take full advantage of them while you can.

Of course, some places are blessed with fantastic weather most or all of the year, so if you can't travel during the summer, don't worry. There are several destinations you can head to in the autumn. And if you can't make any in 2023, there's always some inspiration for next year…

Can't wait for summer carnivals? Are you eager to start planning your holidays? Then dust off your finest carnival outfits and read on for the best parties to attend in the months ahead...

28 - 29 July

The aptly named Zomercarnaval (Summer Carnival) in Rotterdam is the place to be for Europe carnivals in 2023.

Held in the Netherlands' second-largest city, this carnival certainly won't disappoint. Expect over 25 carnival groups and 2,500 dancers that parade through the city with an explosion of colour and music. It's the largest Caribbean Street party in the country, and the parade route spans 2.5 km (1.5 miles).

There are also two stages with live music acts you can watch when you want to rest. There's a Mercado festival market too, where you can taste cuisines from all over the world. It's conveniently located on the Coolsingel, where you can drop by the Rotterdam Tourist Information Center for everything you need to know about the parade and city.

To stay close to the action, book a room at NH Atlanta Rotterdam Hotel. This Art Deco hotel is right next to the Rotterdam World Trade Centre and is 40m away from Coolsingel too. If you have spare time, head to the iconic Erasmus Bridge, which is under 1.5 km (1 mi) away.

5 August

If you want one of the most popular and colourful festivals out there, then book your trip to Barbados, and put the Crop Over Summer Festival on your bucket list.

As you might've guessed from the name, the Barbados Carnival celebrates the end of the sugar season, since the "crop is over". This tradition goes all the way back to the 1780s, so if you're able to make the journey, you'll get some amazing insights into the country's history as well.

What's surprising is, historically, the festival hasn't always persisted. The sugar industry declined, and as a result, the festival stopped in the 1940s. But it experienced a revival in 1974, highlighting Barbadian culture to keep the tradition alive and well.

During the festival, you'll witness the Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes. You'll also cheer on the King and Queen of the Festival, who are crowned for being the most productive cane cutters.

You can see the Cohobblopot, which is a show featuring Kadooment band performances. And if you're with the family, the little ones can join in the Kiddies Kadooment!

Other fun points to note include Bridgetown Market for food, drinks, arts, crafts, and music, and Calypso, where calypsonians compete for prizes.

Lastly, the festival closes with the Grand Kadooment. Join the crowd in watching this festive parade.

While you're on this beautiful island, stay at the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados. It's only 4 km (2.5 mi) away from Bridgetown, and you'll enjoy a gorgeous coastline right at your doorstep.

People celebrating during Notting Hill Carnival (source)

27 - 28 August

For a taste of carnival culture in the UK, you'll get the ultimate authentic experience at the Notting Hill Carnival. This annual Caribbean festival is arguably the most famous in the country, has been around since 1966, and takes place on the August Bank Holiday.

The British Caribbean community proudly puts on a feast for your senses. Over 2.5 million people from around the world come for the Notting Hill Carnival, so it's one of the world's largest street festivals!

Throughout Notting Hill, you'll find gorgeous floats and jubilant music, accompanied by thousands of people dancing to the beat and making their way alongside the carnival floats. With both recorded and live music available during the festival, there will never be a silent moment.

When your belly's grumbling, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are over 300 food stalls, so weigh your options carefully and satisfy your palate with tasty dishes.

If you want to stay for the entire duration of the carnival, then a room at the Portobello Hotel will do you good. This puts you right in Notting Hill, and also isn't too far away from Portobello Market and Hyde Park.

Crowd in the Rio Carnival (source)

9 - 17 February

The word "carnival" is absolutely synonymous with the world-famous Rio Carnival. It's the largest carnival in the world, hosting over 2 million people per day!

Rio Carnival was first introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese, who had a festival called "Entrudo". However, it wasn't until 1917 that samba music was introduced to the festival, which helped make it the carnival we know today.

Rio Carnival happens 5 days before Ash Wednesday. Between 1915 and 1918, then 1940 and 1945, the World Wars put a pause on celebrations. Then the pandemic caused it to hit pause in 2021 and 2022. Thankfully, Rio Carnival returned in February 2023, making the next one a must-go for carnivals 2024!

During the week, you'll see over 100 samba schools present their floats in the parades. You can join in the fun by wearing your own elaborate costume, and dance the days and nights away.

If you'd like to stay put and see the action from a short distance, then go to the Sambodromo. This stadium was built in 1984 and seats over 80,000 people while accommodating 5,000 participants. You'll definitely find a spot here that'll offer a good vantage point.

Around 40 judges at the Sambodromo critique all the floats and performers. Then, on Ash Wednesday, they announce the winners!

Make sure you party early and stay out late by grabbing a room at Arosa Rio Hotel. It's in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and is a mere 620m (0.4 mi) away from the Sambodromo. You can even go back for a quick nap to recharge if needed.

12 - 13 February

The happens on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It first started as a French celebration in the late 18th century, but eventually, the local African population made it their own from 1833 onward.

The festival was first called Canboulay. It was first a harvest festival where calypso music was birthed. Celebrations occurred on the 1st of August (Emancipation Day), but as of 1834, they were moved to Dimanche Gras, which is the Sunday before carnival.

If you can, arrive before the carnival, as there are many other cultural events that pepper Trinidad & Tobago the week before. Also, start the festivities off with J'ouvert on early Monday morning at 4:00 am. People dress up in homemade costumes and dance to calypso music while covering themselves in mud, oil, and powder.

Later, when the actual Trinidad & Tobago Carnival starts, revellers change into more refined and embellished costumes. Tag along for good music and lots of rum…

People dancing during Mardi Gras in New Orleans (source)

13 February

Mardi Gras is another carnival that everyone knows. It's probably the most famous one in the US, and it's an unforgettable time.

The holiday was imported by French Catholics in the late 17th century. The first organised Mardi Gras celebration happened in Mobile, Alabama in 1703.

However, it wasn't until 1837 that the first Mardi Gras parade took place in New Orleans. And the first recorded "throws" (strings of beads, cups, and trinkets) didn't occur until 1870.

Eventually, floats started appearing in the celebrations, and they had the first daytime parade in 1872. Mardi Gras is now a legal holiday in Louisiana, as Governor Warmoth signed the Mardi Gras Act in 1875.

If you want to fit in with the crowd, then theme your costumes in purple, green, and gold. To stash away all the throws you accumulate - perhaps as some souvenirs? - you should bring a large bag too.

And don't forget to eat king cake either! This delicious treat is coloured in the celebration's hues and has such mouth-watering fillings that they're more like pastries than cake.

Staying at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter is a great choice. Not only are you 100m from Bourbon Street, but you're also just a 15-minute drive away from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport if you're flying in.

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