Karnevalsfeste 2025, Venedig, Shutterstock
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Experiences

This Year's Best Carnival Festivals

Carnival celebrations kick off with vibrant flair all around the world. Here are the best places to stay for the festivities.

January 2, 2025


Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Date: January 31 to March 9, 2025

Karneval Teneriffa, Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

Highlights: It’s often said that Carnival is "the fifth season," and no celebration embodies this more than the festivities on Tenerife. This is, after all, the second-largest Carnival in the world. The events span an impressive five weeks. Among the standout moments of the 2025 Carnival celebrations are the opening ceremonies, which include the election of the Carnival Queen. Additionally, there are competitions featuring dance troupes, satirical music groups, and colorful parades. The symbolic finale is marked by the so called "Burial of the Sardine."

Bahia del Duque auf Teneriffa

Bahía del Duque

Hotel tip: Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque is located in the southern part of Tenerife. Here, you are welcomed amidst lush greenery and charming Canary Island colonial-style architecture. The suites with ocean views are particularly popular. A sprawling pool area, nine restaurants, and a wellness center provide the perfect setting for relaxation.

Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort
Av. de Bruselas, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain
+34 922 74 69 00 - thetaishotels.com/bahia-del-duque
Doubles from € 390

Carnival in Nice, France

Date: February 15 to March 2, 2025

Karnevalsfeste 2025, Nizza, Shutterstock

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Highlights: One of the oldest and most renowned Carnivals in Europe is held in Nice. The celebration centers around floats and figures that depict current events and cultural themes, often incorporating sharp social critique. Visitors can also look forward to acrobats, dancers, and musicians, with street performers adding a vibrant atmosphere to the festivities. Unique among the 2025 Carnival events, Nice offers night parades featuring illuminated processions. Another major highlight is the "Battle of Flowers" along the Promenade des Anglais, where participants toss flowers into the crowd.

Hotel du Couvent, Marriott

© Marriott

Hotel tip: Opened in June 2024, Hôtel du Couvent, located near the Promenade des Anglais, impresses with its use of natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist design. It blends modern elements with the charm of a building dating back to the 17th century. The spa offers indulgent amenities, including a tepidarium, caldarium, frigidarium, various treatments, and a pool area.

Hôtel du Couvent
1 Rue Honoré Ugo, 06300 Nice, France
+33 4120 55561 - hotelducouvent.com
Doubles incl. breakfast from € 650

Carnival in Venice, Italy

Date: February 22 to March 4, 2025

Karneval in Venedig

© Unsplash

Highlights: When ranking the 2025 Carnival celebrations by their start dates, Venice comes in "only" third. However, it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous Carnivals in the world. Known for its magnificent masks and the stunning backdrop of St. Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, and various palazzos, it’s a must-see. The festivities kick off with the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo), where a person "glides" from the Campanile to the square below. Highlights include gondola parades and masquerade balls, with the Ballo del Doge being regarded as the most exclusive and glamorous masquerade ball in the world. The Venice Carnival concludes with the Svolo del Leon, the ceremonial lowering of the flag from the Campanile.

Palazzo Experimental Karneval in Venedig

© Experimental Group

Hotel tip: When the trendy Experimental Group opens hotels, you can expect some seriously cool concepts. One such gem is the Palazzo Experimental. Opened in 2019, this hotel pays homage to the gondolier culture at every turn. It also celebrates the rich history of the lagoon city through its beautifully designed rooms, suites, and restaurants. Some of the suites even feature a private plunge pool.

Il Palazzo Experimental
Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
+39 041 098 0200 - palazzoexperimental.com
Doubles incl. breakfast from € 360

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Date: February 28 to March 8, 2025

Karneval Rio, Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

Highlights: The most famous of the 2025 Carnival celebrations is undoubtedly the one in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant expression of Brazilian joy and culture. What makes it truly special are the performances by the samba schools at the Sambódromo, where dancers compete in dazzling, colorful costumes. The festivities also include exclusive balls, such as the iconic Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace. During the blocos—the street parties and parades—thousands of people dance in the streets. Every year, millions of participants and visitors from around the globe flock to experience the Rio Carnival.

Copacabana Palace Hotel, Belmond

© Belmond

Hotel tip: The renowned Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Known for its prime location, its role as the venue for the Magic Ball, and its elegant Art Deco design, it’s a top choice for visitors. Culinary delights are provided by the Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, which serves innovative dishes alongside Italian classics. Meanwhile, the spa offers a sensory journey of pure relaxation.

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22021-001, Brazil
+55 21 2548-7070 -
belmond.com
Doubles from € 54

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA

Date: March 4, 2025

Karnevalsfeste 2025, New Orleans, Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

Highlights: The Mardi Gras parade, held on Fat Tuesday, is often called "the greatest free show on Earth." And for good reason—this event blends the Southern joie de vivre with French traditions. The most iconic aspect is the parades, organized by groups known as Krewes. The floats are intricately designed and a spectacle in their own right. Adding to the excitement are the sounds of jazz music and blues rhythms. Revelers dance in the French Quarter, indulge in the traditional King Cake, and catch the bead necklaces tossed into the crowd by parade participants. Thousands gather to make the most of the final day before Lent begins.

Four Seasons in New Orleans

 © Four Seasons

Hotel tip: One of the newest hotels in New Orleans, Four Seasons New Orleans, offers guests unparalleled luxury with a prime location overlooking the river. Whether you’re yearning for a private jazz concert or a streetcar ride through the historic Garden District, no request is too extravagant. The hotel is perfect not only for those seeking tranquility but also for food enthusiasts.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
+1 504-434-5100 - fourseasons.com
Doubles from € 475

 

 

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