Mardi Gras is celebrated in grand style across the world, with each destination offering its own unique traditions and energy. From vibrant parades and masked balls to elaborate costumes and non-stop street parties, this festival is an experience like no other. Here are the top places to experience this lively festival, along with their highlights and where to stay.
Key Takeaways
- Mardi Gras promises an unforgettable celebration filled with culture, excitement, and revelry
- Pick your city, embrace the festive spirit, and get ready for the party of a lifetime
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
New Orleans is the heart and soul of Mardi Gras in the United States. This city is known for its rich Creole culture, jazz music, and its larger-than-life parades. The French Quarter transforms into a sea of revelers dressed in purple, green, and gold, with beads flying through the air and music filling the streets.
Destination Highlights
New Orleans is famous for its extravagant Mardi Gras parades, vibrant bead-throwing traditions, and lively Bourbon Street parties. The city comes alive with jazz music, colorful floats, and enthusiastic crowds. Don’t miss the krewes of Zulu and Rex, which put on some of the most iconic parades of the season.
Where to Stay
For a comfortable stay, consider The Roosevelt New Orleans, Hotel Monteleone, or the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
Mobile, Alabama, USA
Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, dating back to 1703. This Gulf Coast city offers a more relaxed yet traditional celebration with strong French and Spanish influences. The parades here are family-friendly, and the city’s historic districts add a charming backdrop to the festivities.
Destination Highlights
Mobile offers a more family-friendly and traditional approach to the festivities. The city is known for its elegant masked balls, lively parades, and the unique tradition of throwing moon pies.
Where to Stay
To experience the celebration in comfort, book a stay at The Battle House Renaissance Hotel, Fort Conde Inn, or The Admiral Hotel.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro hosts the world’s biggest Carnival, a festival that embodies the passion and energy of Brazil. This legendary event is a spectacular showcase of samba music, dazzling costumes, and extravagant floats that take over the city’s streets. The festival draws millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most iconic celebrations in the world.
Destination Highlights
Rio’s Carnival features breathtaking samba performances, extravagant costumes, and endless street parties. The highlight of the celebration is the grand parade at the Sambadrome, where samba schools showcase dazzling performances.
Where to Stay
For an unforgettable experience, stay at Belmond Copacabana Palace, Hotel Fasano Rio, or Windsor Excelsior.
Venice, Italy
Venice offers one of the most elegant and historic Carnival celebrations in the world. The city’s centuries-old traditions bring an air of mystery and grandeur, with attendees wearing elaborate masks and costumes. Grand masquerade balls, candlelit gondola parades, and artistic performances define the enchanting atmosphere of this festival.
Destination Highlights
The Venice Carnival is known for its grand masquerade balls, intricate masks, and enchanting gondola parades. The city’s stunning architecture provides a magical backdrop to the festivities.
Where to Stay
To fully immerse yourself in the Venetian experience, book a stay at Gritti Palace, Bauer Palazzo, or Ca’ Sagredo Hotel.
Nice, France
Nice offers a dazzling blend of artistic expression and festive revelry on the stunning French Riviera. The Carnival of Nice features elaborate parades, artistic floats, and the famous Battle of Flowers, where thousands of fresh blooms are tossed into the crowd.
Destination Highlights
Nice’s Mardi Gras celebrations include the vibrant Battle of Flowers parade and dazzling illuminated floats. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world for its lively and artistic displays.
Where to Stay
For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel Negresco, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, or Le Meridien Nice.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Carnival, known as “The Crazy Days,” is one of Europe’s most famous celebrations. It is a time of wild festivities, where people of all ages don creative costumes and take part in the city’s high-energy street parties. The celebrations culminate in the famous Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) parade.
Destination Highlights
Cologne’s Carnival features massive street parades, lively music, and elaborate costume parties. The Rosenmontag parade is the highlight of the celebration, drawing thousands of revelers.
Where to Stay
To stay close to the action, book a room at Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Hyatt Regency Cologne, or Hotel Mondial am Dom.
Binche, Belgium
The Carnival of Binche is one of Europe’s most unique Mardi Gras celebrations. Recognized by UNESCO, it features the Gilles, costumed figures who march through the streets, tossing oranges to the crowd as a symbol of good fortune.
Destination Highlights
Binche’s Carnival is famous for its Gilles, mysterious masked figures who parade through the streets, throwing oranges as a sign of good luck. This centuries-old tradition makes Binche a truly unique Mardi Gras destination.
Where to Stay
For accommodations, consider Hotel Charleroi Airport, Best Western Plus Orange Hotel, or La Ferme de Grambais.
Trinidad and Tobago
The Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most energetic and vibrant celebrations. A blend of African, French, and Spanish traditions, this festival is known for its pulsating Soca music, extravagant costumes, and non-stop street parties.
Destination Highlights
The festival’s highlight is the exuberant street parade known as “Pretty Mas,” where revelers in dazzling costumes take over the city. Soca music and infectious rhythms make this an unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay
Stay in comfort at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, The BRIX Autograph Collection, or Kapok Hotel.
Final Word
No matter which destination you choose, Mardi Gras promises an unforgettable celebration filled with culture, excitement, and revelry. Pick your city, embrace the festive spirit, and get ready for the party of a lifetime!
