Lights, colour, joy... carnivals turn cities upside down for a few days, taking their inhabitants out of their routine. They are also the perfect excuse to plan a trip and enjoy new places. That is why today we propose five trips to discover some of the best carnivals in the world
New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Notting Hill or Santa Cruz de Tenerife They are cities known for their carnivals. But they are not the only ones in which this festival takes on special relevance. ohDiscover the chosen destinations and choose your next destination! Some are very very close.
Badajoz Carnival
The Badajoz carnival is one of the most important in Spain and is considered festival of National Tourist Interest. With more than 7000 participants integrated into comparsas, smaller groups and artifacts, its parades are also one of the most attractive in Europe. And it's right here!
This 2023 the streets of the city will be filled with color and atmosphere for 10 days, between Friday the 17th and Sunday the 26th of February. The celebration opens with the Fiesta de las Candelas, continues with the murgas contest and parades both adults and children and closes with the traditional Burial of the Sardine.
Binché Carnival
Unesco described the Carnival of Binche as "a masterpiece of oral heritage and intangible of humanity. It is unique, of course, because of his characters, the Guilles and the Chunchus. The first were presented to the Queen of France, Maria Teresa of Austria, after the victory at Arras and the annexation to France of the former Spanish provinces in the north. They personify the Andean indigenous people, with white masks to hide the "dirty" faces of the people. The cunchus, for their part, wear long suits and hats with tall feathers, to represent the Inca jungle warriors, called "tobas".
The bulk of the carnival will be held this 2023 of the 19 to 21 for February although 49 days before the celebrations will have already begun and every Sunday until the day of carnival there will be a ceremony, dance or theatrical act prior to the big party.
Colonia Carnival
The Cologne Carnival has already started but the main celebrations, known as "crazy days" do not arrive until February. For six days, numerous parties, dances, concerts and events take place in the city, although probably the most anticipated day for the locals is Rose Monday Parade.
The Rose Monday parade, which this year will take place on February 20, is the highlight of the Cologne Carnival. Around 1,5 million people will take to the streets starting at 10:30 a.m. to watch the parade, a colorful spectacle with spectacular floats, marching bands, chocolates, flowers and kisses. Tradition obliges you to go in disguise, are you signing up for one of the best carnivals in Europe?
Nice Carnival
Parades, floats, dancers, musicians... What else is needed to have a good time? The Nice Carnival is a vibrant party with a rich cultural heritage. This year it will be held between Friday 10 and Sunday 26 February. Are you going to miss it?
More than a million people come to Nice to enjoy these carnivals whose culmination is the famous flower parade. This was held for the first time in 1876 and amazes with its colorful rhythms and battles of flowers. Every year the carnival has a different theme, which this year will be "The King of the world's treasures".
Oruro's Carnival
"Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" according to Unesco, the Oruro carnival is a festivity in which more more than 50 folk ensembles from all over Bolivia who make a pilgrimage to the Socavón Sanctuary for the traditional entrance.
Around 400 people spread over four kilometers away arrive to present this entrance into the Sanctuary, center of irradiation of dance and music of diabladas, morenadas, caporales, tuffs, tinkus, etc. This year it is celebrated from February 11 to 21, 2023, the last 4 being the most important days.
Which of the best carnivals that we mentioned would you like to know?