Top 10 Biggest Carnivals in the World You Must Visit

Do you love the colourful and musical vibes of carnivals? From food to concerts, there must be so many things that excite you. Carnivals around the world are a big thing. People travel to different countries to experience new cultures, traditions, and events like nowhere else. In this post, we will introduce you to the 10 biggest carnivals in the world that offer exciting events and traditions. Check out the list, discover your vacation location this year!

São Paulo’s Samba Parade

Brazil’s São Paulo Carnival is famous for its massive street parties. Guinness World Records calls it the largest street carnival, with about 15 million participants. Samba school parades happen in the Anhembi Sambadrome on Friday and Saturday of Carnival week. Meanwhile, most people celebrate outside with dozens of colourful blocos (neighbourhood bands) playing samba, axé and funk. Some blocos are huge open-air parties (even LGBT-friendly ones). In recent years, São Paulo has added child-friendly street parades and all-ages festivals during Carnival week. For visitors, joining these local blocos or watching the crowd-filled parties on Avenida Paulista is a great experience. São Paulo’s carnival feels like the whole city is part of the party.

Tenerife’s Tropical Fiesta

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival (Canary Islands, Spain) is often considered second only to Rio. Each February, the city erupts for two weeks of parades and nonstop music under warm weather. Thousands of locals and tourists dance in the streets, ending with the glittering selection of a Carnival Queen. The party concludes on Ash Wednesday with the playful “Burial of the Sardine” procession. Tenerife’s carnival feels like a Caribbean-style festival under the mild Canary sun. The warm climate and Latin beats give it a tropical vibe that draws crowds from all over Spain and Europe.

Venetian Masked Magic

Venice’s Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival) dates back to medieval times (it was banned for over a century and revived in 1979). Each year, about 3 million people flood the Floating City for two weeks of masked balls and street parades. Revellers wear elaborate Bauta and Colombina masks and stunning period costumes. One highlight is the opening “Flight of the Angel” from St. Mark’s Campanile. Visitors often rent masks and costumes locally to join the masquerade fully. So, get your eSIM Italy and take a traditional gondola ride in costume in Venice.

Trinidad’s Steelpan Spectacle

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is often called “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, it fills Port-of-Spain’s streets with thousands of dancers in elaborate feathered costumes. The festivities begin Sunday night (Dimanche Gras), followed by Monday’s grand Parade of Bands with calypso and steelpan music. Carnival Monday’s famous J’Ouvert celebration involves paint, mud and nonstop dancing. This iconic festival is known for its infectious energy, driving rhythms and creative mas. Trinidad’s carnival is famous across the Caribbean for its vibrant steelband performances and elaborate masquerade costumes.

Rio's Samba Spectacle

Get a Brazil eSIM and explore the Rio de Janeiro Carnival (Brazil). Each year, up to 2 million people per day flood Rio’s streets to enjoy nonstop samba music and parades. Dozens of samba schools compete in the Sambadrome, each fielding thousands of dancers on massive floats. Outside the Sambadrome, hundreds of local “blocos” (street parties) spring up across the city. In 2026, officials scheduled 462 blocos and expected about 6 million total participants. Music and dancing continue around the clock, making the Rio carnival synonymous with nonstop festivity and colour.

Nice’s Floral Parade

France’s Nice Carnival runs for two weeks every February along the Riviera. In 2025, around 400,000 people took part in Nice’s festivities. The highlight is the Flower Parade on the seaside Promenade, where floats covered in fresh blossoms pass by. The next evening, the “Corso Carnavalesque” features giant themed floats (often political or humorous) lit up under the night sky. Nice even introduced a special “Queernaval” party in recent years to welcome LGBTQ+ revellers. This festive carnival has a French Riviera flair, blending seaside sunshine with creative pageantry, making it one of Europe’s largest winter carnivals.

Mardi Gras Madness

Mardi Gras in New Orleans (USA) is a world-famous pre-Lenten carnival. It draws roughly 1 million visitors each year. Colourful parades wind through the city, led by legendary krewes (social clubs) like Rex and Zulu. Float riders toss beads, coins and other trinkets into the crowds. Zulu famously hands out decorated coconuts. Revellers wear purple, green and gold attire (symbolic Mardi Gras colours). Locals and tourists also enjoy Creole food and the nightlife along Bourbon Street. This mix of French and African heritage makes Mardi Gras one of the world’s wildest parties. Also, don’t forget to bring the best eSIM for the USA to explore without any connectivity issues.

Barranquilla’s Caribbean Colours

The Barranquilla Carnival (Colombia) is a UNESCO-recognised festival and one of the biggest carnivals in the world. Each February, about 1.5 million people flock to Barranquilla for parades celebrating local folklore. It begins with the famous flower parade (floats covered in blooms) and features dancers in traditional cumbia and mapalé costumes. The city also hosts street concerts and the Grand Parade of Llamadas (drum procession). Barranquilla’s carnival was declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. The celebration’s fusion of African, Indigenous and Spanish influences makes it a vibrant mix of colours and rhythms.

Notting Hill's Street Party

Take your eSIM UK and visit Notting Hill Carnival in London (UK), which is Europe’s largest street festival. It takes place each August Bank Holiday weekend and draws roughly 2 million people (official figures cite around 1 million attendees yearly). The carnival begins on Sunday with a massive steelband Panorama contest. All day Sunday and Monday, costumed performers dance down the streets to calypso, soca and reggae beats. Massive sound systems on floats blast music as families and tourists join the dancing. There are also family-friendly zones and children’s costume bands. Notting Hill’s carnival brings the sounds and flavours of the Caribbean to London’s streets.

Cologne's Carnival Craziness

Germany’s Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) is a massive local celebration, known as the “fifth season.” Each year on Rose Monday, over 1 million costumed revellers flood Cologne’s streets. Parades of floats shower crowds with sweets and flowers while people shout “Kölle Alaaf!” (Carnival greeting). Events start in November but climax the week before Lent. People everywhere wear costumes, and even offices and schools join in. Cologne’s carnival is famous for its humour and beer-soaked revelry, topped by Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Day) when women symbolically “take over” by cutting men’s ties. If you choose to visit here, book your eSIM Germany in advance to make sure you get connected to the network as soon as you land.

Bonus Carnival Travel Tips for International Travellers

If you are planning to travel to any carnival around the world, these tips would greatly help you:

• Plan Ahead: Book flights, trains and hotels early. Check the exact carnival dates and pack comfortable clothing and weather gear.

• Connectivity: While travelling abroad connectivity is a big issue. Connect with trusted providers online, like eSIM Cards, and buy local, regional, and global eSIMs online. The activation process takes just a few minutes, and it connects you as soon as you land.  

• Essentials: Bring a portable phone charger and a small first-aid kit (plasters, painkillers). Carry hand sanitiser and tissues, which can be handy when you’re in crowds.

Charge Up to Have Fun in the Carnivals Around the World!

The biggest carnival in the world is a spectacular showcase of culture and community, and it is best enjoyed when you come prepared. Each festival above has its own character, but all share energy, music and unity. By planning ahead (knowing the dates and book tickets) and by staying connected (for example, via a travel eSIM), travellers can fully immerse themselves in the fun. So put on your costume, charge your phone, and dive into the global party. With a reliable eSIM plan, you'll stay safe, connected, and free to enjoy every moment.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the largest carnival in the world?

Ans. The Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is generally considered the biggest, with roughly 2 million people celebrating each day. This week-long street party before Lent features massive samba parades and draws visitors from all over the globe.

Q2. What is Venice Carnival known for?

Ans. Venice’s carnival is famous for its elaborate masked costumes and historic balls. Each year, about 3 million people attend, wandering the city’s canals and piazzas in disguise. The masks (Bauta, Colombina, etc.) and grand palaces give it a unique, elegant atmosphere.

Q3. Why use an eSIM when travelling to carnivals?

Ans. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into modern phones. It lets you download a local data plan (for example, eSIM UK or Brazil eSIM) without swapping physical SIM cards.

Q4. When is Notting Hill Carnival held each year?

Ans. Notting Hill Carnival is held on the late-August Bank Holiday weekend in West London. This two-day Caribbean street festival (started in the 1960s) fills London’s streets with music and dancing, drawing about 2 million attendees.

Q5. What should I wear to a carnival?

Ans. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes (e.g. bring a raincoat if needed). Many people wear costumes or masks; feel free to join in! In Venice, for example, revellers buy ornate masks to match the festive spirit.