The best known:

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Date: February 9 to 17, 2024
Visitors: 1 million people

© Shutterstock

The carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous events of its kind. There were precursors as early as the 17th century. It made its debut as we know it today in 1840. It begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday with an opening ritual. The highlight is the parades of the samba schools in the Sambódromo. This was built according to plans by Oscar Niemeyer in 1984. The parades last around 10 hours each day. The winners are announced on Ash Wednesday. And they celebrate with fireworks and even more partying.

© Belmond

Hotel tip: The Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is an oasis in the middle of the lively city. It scores points with its location on the Copacabana. It also has a rooftop tennis court, two Michelin-starred restaurants and featuresArt Deco design.

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22021-001, Brazil
Tel. +55 21 2548-7070
Web: belmond.com
Price: Doubles from € 900

The biggest:

Carnival in Salvador Bahia, Brazil

Date: February 9 to 14, 2024
Visitors: 2.7 million people

© Shutterstock

The carnival in Rio is known all over the world. But the whole world seems to celebrate in Salvador Bahia. At least the third largest city in Brazil is right at the top of the list of destinations for carnival fans. Almost three million people come here every year to celebrate on the streets. This has earned it an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest street carnival in the world and one of the biggest festivals in the world. Open-air concerts, parades and exuberant parties are the order of the day.

© Hotel Fasano

Hotel tip: The pretty Hotel Fasano Salvador attracts guests with its large rooms, tasteful interior and great location. The outdoor pool offers breathtaking views.

Hotel Fasano Salvador
Praça Castro Alves, 5 - Centro, Salvador - BA, 40020-160, Brazil
Tel: +55 71 2201-6300
Web: fasano.com
Price: Doubles from € 350

The exuberant one:

Carnival in Cologne, Germany

Date: February 8 to February 13, 2024
Visitors: 1.5 million people

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Of course, there are also carnival parades and celebrations in every major city in Germany. But Cologne is the carnival stronghold. There're 480 carnival clubs here. The fact that destinations for carnival fans are quite a boost for the local economy is impressively demonstrated by the example of Cologne. In just a few weeks, the city generates millions in additional revenue from trade taxes. After all, someone has to produce the 330 tons of sweets, 700,000 chocolate bars and 220,000 boxes of pralines. In Cologne, the celebrations are intense, excessive, loud and cheerful.

© 25hours Hotels

Hotel tip: The 25hours Hotel Köln The Circle with its cheeky vibe is perfect for anyone who comes to the city to party and have fun. It has a cool industrial interior and a Neni restaurant.

25hours Hotel Cologne The Circle
Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49 221 162530
Web: 25hours-hotels.com
Price: Doubles from € 140

The Venerable:

Carnival in Venice, Italy

Date: January 27 to February 13, 2024
Visitors: 145,000 per day

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The Carnival in Venice traditionally kicks off with the boat parade on the Grand Canal. From 3 February, events such as the Festa delle Marie, the Volo dell'Angelo (Angel's Flight across St. Mark's Square) and the election of the most beautiful girl in Venice take place here. The official end of the carnival in Venice is the Volo del Leon (Lion's Flight) on Shrove Tuesday. Numerous balls and gala dinners take place during this time. And hundreds of people in elaborate masks populate the city. It's one of the must-see destinations for carnival fans!

© Aman

Hotel tip: The opulent Aman Venice is located directly on the Grand Canal and offers the best views of the boat race. The old town is just a few steps away.

Aman Venice
Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel.: +39 041 270 7333
Web: aman.com
Price: Doubles from € 1,400

The exuberant one:

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, United States

Date: February 13, 2024
Visitors: 1.5 million people

© Shutterstock

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the highlight of the carnival season. The day before the beginning of Catholic Lent is celebrated with particular intensity in New Orleans. In the French Quarter, especially in Lee Circle, Lafayette Square, Napoleon Avenue, St. Charles Avenue and Polymnia Street, colorful parades take place. However, the carnival floats, known as krewes, offer chains with plastic beads instead of sweets. Naturally in the official carnival colors green, yellow and purple.

© Four Seasons

Hotel tip: The Four Seasons New Orleans is just a few minutes away from beautiful Canal Street. Elegant rooms and suites and unparalleled service make it one of the best hotels in the area.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Tel: +1 504-434-5100
Web: fourseasons.com
Price: Doubles from € 500