Do you want to have fun for a while without thinking about the multiple everyday problems? Forget for a moment the social differences, political problems and feel the joy of meeting new people? What you should do is to go celebrate the carnival! We have shortlisted the best options to offer you a getaway and enjoy the arrival of spring with your friends.
Carnival of Rio de Janeiro
Carnival was taken by the Portuguese to Brazil in the middle ages. It was a popular party of polkas and waltzes over the first years. However, the African influence in the Brazilian culture and the birth of samba as a popular dance have made the Brazilian carnival an unique blend of artistic styles, dances and percussion instruments that can not be compared to other party places in the world. This carnival is the most crowded, therefore it takes place in several districts of the city simultaneously. It culminates with a contest of sambas of the best schools in the world in which they reward both the fantasy and the design of the carriages and parades.
The carnival lasts for 4 days, although parallel celebrations can be seen throughout the whole month. What you need to do is book the tickets in advance and if you feel ready, sign up to dress up and dance with the locals, they are glad to involve participants. Ipanema, Santa Teresa and Copacabana are the places to be!
Carnival of Venice
Hiding under a mask and dancing with strangers to the sound of seventeenth-century music is one of the features of the most picturesque and magical festival of all carnivals. The Italian rogue spirit can be seen in the numerous shows that are held in the city and over its canals. Often dealing with social issues, politics and the stars of the moment with a mocking and irreverent touch. Wearing masks once a year allows people to forget social classes and immerse themselves into society. A baker could dance with a beautiful noblewoman or with his neighbour, without ever revealing his real identity.
The Carnival of Venice this 2017 begins on February 18 and ends on February 24. All you need is a mask from a craft shop, a costume and start your tour around the square of San Marcos, from where most of the shows begin. At night you can join one of the numerous dances and on Sunday, February 26 you can not miss the eagle flight.
Carnival of Rumšiškės
Rumšiškės is one of the most peculiar carnivals in the world, as it is celebrated in a winter climate, surrounded by a blanket of white snow in Lithuania. It is a very sportive holiday in which you can see people from all over the world bathing in icy lakes, doing canoeing or ice skating near the city hall, the main venue for carnival shows. Its parades and horse-drawn sleigh rides are famous in eastern Europe and it culminates firing a giant witch to celebrate the end of the Winter. All you need to carry on is a good winter coat, a costume and enjoy the delicious pancakes and hot wine to cope with coldness. It starts on the 20th of February and finishes the next 28th.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Latin rhythms can only be felt in the Canary Islands and Tenerife is the cradle of carnival in this part of the world. We can see handcrafted costumes, mockery of public figures and shows that do not care about anybody’s sex or age.
In this edition of 2017, the carnival of santa Cruz de Tenerife lasts all February and most activities depart from the street Avenida de Francisco La Roche.
All you need is a swimming suit to enjoy the beach in the morning and several costumes to participate in the various competitions that take place during carnivals. You can meet people from all over the world and also mix with the locals, well known around the world for their sympathy.
Carnival of Goa
The only region of India that celebrates carnival is the city of Goa, and it does it all over. To this party of pagan origin and later Christian is added the Indian tradition for the celebrations in group, the dances and the colourful shows. The spectacular scenery, the beach and the climate of the city make it possible to stay almost all day in the street enjoying the outdoor activities. String instruments such as guitar and percussion set a fast and lively rhythm during the days of the party. It is a city that smells like curry, freshly caught fish and the local liquor, Feni.
People are delighted to have tourists joining them and you do not need any tickets or presentation, just your desire to enter to learn to dance. The only thing you need is to book the accommodation with advance because it is a very busy city. You can get a costume in one of the many local shops if you don’t know how to dress up. It begins on February 25 and ends on February 28. The main scenarios are the districts of Panjim, Mapusa, Margoa and Vasco da Gama.
If you have decided to go and your costume is supreme, your friends won’t be able to recognise you 😉 To get back together, open a Wave. 😎
Pablo Clemente Pérez 