The Most Popular Carnival in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Carnival you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:54
Every year, carnivals burst onto the streets across the globe with vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music that captivate the hearts of millions. These events are not just celebrations; they are a showcase of culture, tradition, and creativity. However, with so many spectacular carnivals happening worldwide, it can be challenging to know which ones stand out as the most beloved by crowds.
By voting for your favorite carnival, you contribute to a dynamic list that reflects the public's most admired celebrations. This list serves as a guide for enthusiasts seeking to experience the best in carnival festivity and offers insight into what makes each event uniquely appealing. Your participation ensures that the rankings represent a diverse array of perspectives, celebrating the global love for these remarkable festivals.
What Is the Most Popular Carnival in the World?
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173votesConsidered the largest carnival in the world, with millions of people attending each year to enjoy the colorful parades, samba music, and street parties.The Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is one of the most famous and largest carnivals in the world. It is a vibrant and colorful celebration of music, dance, and culture that attracts millions of visitors each year. The carnival has a rich history and plays an integral part in Brazilian culture and identity. It is known for its extravagant parades, samba music, elaborate costumes, and lively street parties.
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Duration: 5 days
- Year Started: 1723
- Number of Participants: Over 2 million
- Samba Parades: More than 200 samba schools
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246votes
Notting Hill Carnival, London, UK
Rhaune LaslettOne of the largest street festivals in the world, celebrating Caribbean culture and music with colorful costumes, music, and food.The Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK is one of the largest and most popular annual street festivals celebrating Caribbean culture and heritage. It is a vibrant and lively event that attracts millions of visitors from around the world.- Location: Notting Hill, London, UK
- Year Established: 1966
- Duration: Two days (Sunday and Monday)
- Dates: August Bank Holiday Weekend
- Parade Route Length: Approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers)
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323votes
Roberto Vicario · CC BY-SA 3.0Known for its elegant masks and costumes, the Venice Carnival dates back to the 13th century and is a celebration of the city's history and culture.The Venice Carnival in Italy is a world-renowned festival that celebrates the vibrant culture and history of Venice. It is a magnificent spectacle of color, music, and costumes, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the globe. The carnival dates back to the 12th century and has become an iconic event, known for its elaborate masks, charming gondola parades, and enchanting events that take place across the city.- Duration: Usually lasts for around 2 weeks
- Date: Varies each year but typically takes place in February or March
- Masked Balls: Traditional masked balls are held in stunning Venetian palaces
- Costumes: Participants showcase intricate and opulent costumes inspired by historical Venetian fashion
- Festive Atmosphere: The entire city transforms into a lively place filled with music, street performances, and food stalls
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420votesA huge party with parades, music, and plenty of beads, Mardi Gras is a cultural icon of New Orleans and a popular tourist attraction.Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA is one of the most popular carnivals in the world known for its vibrant festivities and extravagant parades. It is a celebration marked by colorful costumes, lively music, delicious food, and a jubilant atmosphere. The streets of New Orleans come alive with elaborate floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic crowds. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is renowned for its unique blend of French, African, and American cultural influences, making it a truly distinctive and multicultural experience.
- Carnival Duration: Mardi Gras season typically spans several weeks, with the climax on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
- Parades: Mardi Gras parades feature numerous floats, each with a unique theme, and are organized by different krewes (social organizations).
- Throws: A distinctive aspect of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the tradition of riders on floats tossing various items, known as 'throws,' to spectators, including colorful beads, doubloons, and trinkets.
- Costumes: Costume-wearing, particularly in the form of masquerade masks and elaborate outfits, is a common sight during Mardi Gras festivities.
- Traditional Foods: Mardi Gras is synonymous with indulgent cuisine, with popular foods including king cake, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and beignets.
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518votes
el heraldo · Public domainA vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, the Carnival of Barranquilla features colorful costumes, music, dance, and traditional foods.The Carnival of Barranquilla in Colombia is one of the most renowned and lively carnivals in the world. This colorful and vibrant celebration takes place every year in Barranquilla, a city located on the northern coast of Colombia. The carnival combines traditional Colombian folklore with African, European, and Indigenous influences, creating a unique and diverse cultural spectacle. It is a four-day event filled with parades, music, dancing, costumes, and various cultural activities.- Location: Barranquilla, Colombia
- Duration: Four days
- Participants: Over a million people
- Parades: Over 150 parades and processions
- Music: Various genres including cumbia, vallenato, and mapalé
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66votesKnown for its energetic soca music, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is a two-day celebration of music, dance, and costume.The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island country in the Caribbean. Considered one of the most popular and renowned carnivals in the world, it is a festive extravaganza that showcases the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the nation.
- Duration: The Carnival lasts for several weeks, culminating in the final two days before Ash Wednesday.
- Costume Displays: The Carnival features elaborately designed and highly detailed costumes, worn by participants in street parades and competitions.
- Music: Soca music, a fusion of calypso and various other musical genres, is the dominant sound during the festivities.
- Steel Pan: The steel pan, often referred to as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, plays a central role in the Carnival's musical performances.
- Traditional Characters: The Carnival showcases traditional characters such as the King and Queen of the bands, the Midnight Robber, the Dame Lorraine, and the Moko Jumbie.
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72votes
Roberto Vicario · CC BY-SA 3.0Another popular Italian carnival, the Carnival of Venice features elaborate masks and costumes, street performances, and plenty of food and drink.The Carnival of Venice, Italy is one of the most famous and ancient carnivals in the world. It is a vibrant celebration filled with elaborate masks, costumes, and festivities that dates back to the Middle Ages. The carnival attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the unique atmosphere and cultural traditions.
- Duration: Usually lasts for around two weeks
- Masks: Elaborate masks with ornate designs are an integral part of the carnival
- Costumes: Participants dress up in glamorous and historically inspired costumes
- Events: Various events like parades, masquerade balls, art shows, and live music performances take place throughout the carnival
- Grand Opening: The carnival kicks off with the grand opening event in the iconic St. Mark's Square
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89votesA colorful and lively celebration of Canary Islands culture, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife includes parades, music, and dance.The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the most popular and recognized carnivals in the world. It takes place annually in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife, Spain. The carnival is known for its vibrant colors, extravagant costumes, and energetic atmosphere, attracting thousands of participants and spectators each year.
- Duration: Around three weeks
- Main events: Carnival Queen Election, Gran Gala de Elección de la Reina, Coso Apoteosis (Parade), Burial of the Sardine, Carnaval de DÃa (Daytime Carnival)
- Parade route length: Several kilometers
- Participation: Thousands of people, including local residents and international visitors
- Music genres: Salsa, reggaeton, merengue, Latin music
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93votesOne of the largest carnivals in Europe, the Carnival of Cologne is a festive celebration of German culture, with parades, street parties, and plenty of beer.The Carnival of Cologne, Germany is one of the most renowned and vibrant carnivals in the world. Known as Cologne Karneval or Kölner Karneval in German, it is a festive celebration dating back over 900 years with roots in ancient Roman traditions.
- Duration: The carnival season officially begins on November 11th at 11:11 am and reaches its peak during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday.
- Parades: The Carnival is characterized by numerous street parades featuring intricately designed floats, costumed participants, and marching bands.
- Rose Monday Procession: The highlight of the Carnival is the Rose Monday procession, a magnificent parade consisting of over 10,000 participants and watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators.
- Carnival Prince and Peasant: Each year, a Carnival Prince and Peasant are elected to reign over the festivities and symbolize the temporary overturning of social norms.
- Costumes: Participants and attendees dress up in colorful costumes and masks, embracing the spirit of festivity and allowing for anonymity.
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109votesA colorful and irreverent celebration of Spanish culture, the Carnival of Cadiz is known for its satirical songs and witty humor.The Carnival of Cadiz in Spain is a lively and vibrant festival celebrated in the city of Cadiz. It is one of the most famous carnivals in the world, known for its colorful costumes, lively parades, and entertaining performances.
- Location: Cadiz, Spain
- Duration: Approximately two weeks
- History: Traces back to the 16th century
- Main Events: Chirigotas competition, Carnival Parades, Fireworks display
- Costumes: Elaborate and creative costumes
Missing your favorite Carnival?
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Ranking factors for popular Carnival
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Number of attendeesThe popularity of a carnival can be measured by the number of people who attend annually. A higher number often means that the event is more popular.
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International recognitionHow well-known is the carnival around the world? Greater international recognition can contribute to a carnival's popularity and prestige.
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Cultural significanceThe historical roots and cultural importance of a carnival can also impact its ranking. Carnivals that celebrate and showcase the culture and traditions of a community or region can be seen as more significant.
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Duration of the eventHow long does the carnival last? A longer event can be seen as a more significant celebration and contribute to its popularity.
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Quality of entertainmentThe variety of performances and events offered during the carnival can impact its popularity. Carnivals that offer more entertainment options, from parades to concerts, can be seen as more appealing to attendees.
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Economic impactCarnivals that have a significant impact on the local economy, such as attracting tourists and boosting businesses, can be seen as more popular and important.
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Media coverageThe amount of media coverage a carnival receives can influence its popularity. Carnivals that receive extensive local, national, or international coverage can be seen as more popular.
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ReputationThe overall reputation and status of a carnival can impact its popularity ranking. Carnivals with a strong history of success and positive feedback from attendees may be seen as more popular.
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ParticipationHow many people participate in the carnival, and how engaged is the local community? Carnivals that see large numbers of participants and high community involvement can be seen as more popular.
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UniquenessCarnivals that have unique features, traditions or events, or that are particularly impressive in terms of scale or spectacle, can be seen as more popular and appealing to attendees.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Carnival in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Carnival is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1252 views
- 210 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Carnival once every 24 hours. The rank of each Carnival is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular carnival in the world
Carnivals are one of the most vibrant and colorful celebrations in the world. These festivals are known for their lively music, extravagant costumes, and joyful atmosphere. Each year, millions of people from different parts of the world gather to participate in these festivities. But which carnival is the most popular? With so many to choose from, it can be a tough call. From the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival to the historic Venice Carnival, there are plenty of options. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular carnivals in the world and why they are so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
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