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eDreams Travel Blog
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Carnival is a perfect time to take a trip and learn how other cultures celebrate the big event that lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Whether you’re looking for floats, elaborate costumes, masquerades, or a winter wonderland, there is a Carnival for you somewhere in the world. Below we bring you 6 of the most well-known Carnivals in the world with more information about when the festivities begin and an insider’s tip if you plan on going.

Rio Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

rio carnival
images by terrygeorge on flickr

Official name: Rio Carnaval

Rio Carnival 2014 dates: Friday, February 28 – Tuesday, March 4

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the samba parades in the Sambadrome.

Carnival of Venice

Venice, Italy

venice carnival
images by heatherbroster (left) kari_1981 (right) on flickr

Official name: Carnevale di Venezia

Carnival of Venice dates 2014: Saturday, February 22 – Tuesday, March 4

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the fireworks show on the last day of Carnival. Fireworks are set off from Saint Mark’s Square, but you will be able to see them from nearly anywhere in Venice.

Mardi Gras

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

mardi gras
images by loren javier (left) woesis (right) on flickr

Official name: Mardi Gras New Orleans

Mardi Gras 2014 dates: Friday, February 28 – Tuesday, March 4

Insider’s tip: If you want to attend a Krewe Ball (private formal ball) you need to purchase tickets in advance.

Cologne Carnival

Cologne, Germany

cologne carnival
images by *** Harold R *** on flickr

Official name: Kölner Karneval

Cologne Carnival 2014 dates: Thursday, February 27 – Tuesday, March 4

Insider’s tip: Attend the “Kölsche Aape Sitzung”, one of the biggest parties in Cologne during Karneval.

Carnival of Basel

Basel, Switzerland

basel carnival
images by jrodmanjr on flickr

Official name: Basler Fasnacht

Carnival of Basel 2014 dates: Monday, March 10 – Thursday, March 13

Insider’s tip: The festivities begin at 4 am on Monday morning so be sure to get a good night’s sleep beforehand.

Nice Carnival

Nice, France

nice carnival
images by debs-eye (left) Jon Himoff (right) on flickr

Official name: Carnaval de Nice

Nice Carnival 2014 dates: Friday, February 14 – Tuesday, March 4

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the Bataille de Fleurs parade, where floats made completely of flowers promenade through the city throwing 100,000+ flowers to the crowd.

Will you be attending a Carnival celebration this year?

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