Carnival

Region

International

Timing

Before Lunar Easter

Dates

2026
Monday
Feb
16
- 02
Mar
Confirmed
Various, London
2026
Tuesday
Feb
17
Confirmed
Various, London
2026
Thursday
Feb
19
- 23
Feb

Overview

Every year, Carnival transforms cities around the world into vibrant stages of music, dance, and cultural expression. Rooted in pre-Lenten tradition, the festival is celebrated in countless forms, with each destination adding its own history, artistry, and energy. From the samba parades of Rio to the masked balls of Venice and the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, Carnival remains one of humanity’s most unifying celebrations.

HIGHLIGHTS

🎭 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The world’s largest Carnival, with samba schools competing in the Sambadrome and millions joining neighborhood blocos, blending Afro-Brazilian rhythms, pageantry, and community pride.

🎭 Venice, Italy – Famous for its elaborate masks, baroque costumes, and historic piazzas, Venice Carnival is a surreal mix of elegance, mystery, and living theater.

🎭 Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA – Known for its jazz parades, bead-throwing floats, and krewe traditions, Mardi Gras channels both French colonial heritage and the city’s rich African American cultural influences.

🌟 Costumes & Creativity – From feathered headdresses in Rio to ornate Venetian masks and the purple-green-gold of New Orleans, Carnival is an explosion of global artistry.

🤝 Sponsor Activations & Tourism – Major brands and local businesses activate across parades, parties, and experiences, fueling both local economies and global visibility.

🌍 A Shared Spirit – Despite their unique forms, each Carnival reflects joy, resilience, and cultural pride—celebrating the power of community through art, music, and spectacle.

Whether you’re samba dancing in Rio, gliding through a Venetian masquerade, or catching beads on Bourbon Street—Carnival is where tradition and celebration unite the world.

INSIGHTS

Event General Timing
Always held the two days (Monday and Tuesday) before Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, 2026). (Same Day of Week)
Location varies by city/country; most famous are Rio, Trinidad, Venice, and New Orleans.
No general public application. Parades/krewes are internal/by membership.
Grandstand tickets (e.g., Rio) go on sale months prior; general access is free.
Parades/parties start days/weeks prior to the main days.
Every year, Carnival transforms cities around the world into vibrant stages of music, dance, and cultural expression. Rooted in pre-Lenten tradition, the festival is celebrated in countless forms, with each destination adding its own history, artistry, and energy. From the samba parades of Rio to the masked balls of Venice and the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, Carnival remains one of humanity’s most unifying celebrations.
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