Mardi Gras, Carnival, Carnevale or Fasching – it’s always a party!
Mardi Gras is a lively celebration observed across the globe that precedes Lent; but its expressions vary wildly across cultures. While the celebrations in New Orleans may be the most famous, vibrant celebrations erupt all over the world. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil massive street parties and parades take to the streets. Meanwhile, in Venice, Italy there’s an ambiance of mystery as they focus on elegance and historical costumes. The festivities in Belgium are a UNESCO-recognized event where a parade of elaborately waxed people in masks and costumes throw oranges to cheering crowds.
These diverse celebrations, though rooted in religious tradition, take on a modern connotation and reflect the unique cultural identities of the community. Here are some of the more popular ways to commemorate Fat Tuesday and take in folklore and a little history.
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New Orleans, Louisiana, USA 🇺🇸
Mardi Gras in New Orleans runs from early January to early March
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is renowned worldwide and serves as a template for all other festivities. The celebration dates back to the 17th century when French settlers arrived in the area. Over time, the tradition evolved into the raucous celebration we know today.
Colorful and spirited parades of floats are the heart and soul of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Each day leading up to Shrove Tuesday features at least one parade, with the most elaborate ones happening in the final week. Each float has its own identity, theme, costumes and music as they are often constructed by private organizations known as “krewes.” In a tradition called “catching throws,” beads, trinkets, and other items are thrown from handlers on the floats. Spectators eagerly try to catch these items, as they are perceived to be lucky souvenirs or symbols of the Mardi Gras experience.
When it comes to creativity and self-expression, the often whimsical costumes at a New Orleans Mardi Gras are hard to beat. The materials used for costumes vary from feathers and sequins to beads, glitter, and everyday objects. Some costumes are inspired by historical figures, mythological creatures, or pop culture icons, while others simply stem from the wearer’s imagination. Masks that often accompany a costume add an element of mystery and anonymity, allowing people to embrace a different persona for the day.
Travel Trivia: the traditional Mardi Gras colors are gold, green and purple.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷
Carnival in Brazil always occurs between early February and early March and vary in length
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a celebration known across the world as a vibrant fusion of culture and celebration. This massive event serves as a major economic driver for the city, attracting tourists from around the world. At its heart, Carnival is an expression of Brazil’s diverse heritage. It blends African, Portuguese and indigenous influences into a dazzling display of music, dance, and elaborate costumes. At its heart, the celebration fosters community and an understanding of shared cultural values.
The festivities begin months before the festival starts at local samba schools. And it all culminates with breathtaking floats, dazzling costumes and pulsating samba songs competing to be crowned champions at the Sambódromo. In addition, the streets of Rio come alive with what are known as “blocos” – spontaneous street and beach parties where locals and visitors dance and celebrate to live music. This blend of organized spectacle and the informal revelry it creates is at the heart of Brazil’s lively culture.
Venice, Italy 🇮🇹
Carnevale di Venezia can begin as early as late January and ends on Mardi Gras
The Carnival of Venice, or Carnevale di Venezia, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Over the centuries, it evolved into a two-month long celebration, renowned for its opulence and elaborate masked festivities. After being banned for over a century, in 1979 the Italian government revived this iconic event, bringing back all its splendor and the enigmatic allure of Venetian masks it is known for.
Central to the Carnival’s tradition is the use of masks, designed to obscure identities and dissolve social hierarchies. These masks are a tribute to Venice’s historic craftsmanship. The celebration, which culminates on Mardi Gras, features a mix of exclusive masquerade balls and public events. While the private galas require tickets and elaborate costumes, visitors can still purchase simpler masks from street vendors and blend in with the free public festivities.
The modern Carnival of Venice is a major global tourist attraction. While its origins lie in a period of indulgence before Lent, the event’s resurgence has brought millions to experience its unique blend of history, artistry and Venice itself. From enchanting boat parades along the Grand Canal to costume contests, Carnival continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras begins mid-February and ends in early March
The Sydney Mardi Gras is an annual LGBTQIA+ festival held annually in Sydney, Australia. It is a celebration of diversity, pride, and community and is one of the world’s largest vibrant gay events. It is known for its spectacular parade showcasing elaborate costumes and dazzling performances. The parade on Oxford Street is the culmination at the end of a month-long festival of parties, drag shows and exhibitions.
The first Sydney Mardi Gras march was held in 1978 as a protest against discrimination and violence targeted at the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite facing opposition and police raids, the event grew in size and significance over the years; eventually becoming a powerful symbol of LGBTQIA+ rights and tolerance in Australia. The parade is now a major cultural event that celebrates diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, indigenous people and other demographics.
To this day, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pride festival. It is also a significant economic driver for the city of Sydney.
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦
Winter Carnival in Quebec takes place from late January to mid-February for a ten day period
While most think of warmer affairs when they think of Carnival celebrations, the Quebec Winter Carnival, commonly known as Carnaval, is a well attended and joyous celebration on par with any other. The blend of traditional and modern activities makes it the largest winter carnival in the Western Hemisphere. During the gala, Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland strewn with ice and snow sculptures, parades and music events.
The first winter carnival in Quebec City was held in 1894 in order to boost morale of the citizens and celebrate the joys of winter despite the often harsh cold. After some brief periods of interruption, Carnaval has been a continuous annual celebration since 1955. The festival attracts millions of visitors annually, making it a significant tourist attraction for Quebec City.
A famous centerpiece of the event is the Ice Palace of Bonhomme. The palace is a full-size ice castle built from ice blocks that tourists can wander through and explore. Every year the design and theme change and is lit up at night. A chilling sight, but one that can’t be missed!
Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Basel Fasnacht is a three-day festival, starting on the Monday after Ash Wednesday
Basel Fasnacht is such a vital part of Basel’s cultural identity, it’s recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This highlights Basel’s cultural significance and unique traditions, as well as recognizing it as a beacon of artistic expression
The Basel Fasnacht is a three-day festival, starting on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, and lasting exactly 72 hours. It is known for its distinctive traditions,elaborate costumes and raucous street parties. One of its most unique events is the Morgestraich – a silent parade beginning at dawn and traveling through the heart of the town. It takes place the first Monday of the festival , as thousands of onlookers crowd the roads to pay silent respect and enjoy the views. All public lighting along the route is switched off, and beautiful hand-painted lanterns illuminate the streets instead.
Other parades during the three days involve “cliques” (or groups of musicians) that march through the streets and often play fifes and drums. Meanwhile, revelers can be seen taking to the streets in “Larve” – elaborate masks that completely cover the wearer’s face. But it’s the furry, grotesque mask with a wide, toothy grin and a large, bulbous nose known as Waggis that embody the subversive and playful spirit of Basel Fasnacht.
These diverse celebrations, though rooted in religious tradition and with floating dates based on religious holidays, take on a modern connotation and reflect the unique cultural identities of the community. They are meant to be a time of celebration and community collaboration that welcome tourists from around the globe. During what is often shorter, darker and colder days for many of these locations – it only makes sense to have a time of forward-looking joy.
Have you ever taken part in one of these revelries that blend style, culture and tradition?
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