Carnival

Carnival is a huge party held in many countries around the world. It happens before Lent, a quiet time for Christians. The most famous Carnival is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. People wear amazing costumes and dance in the streets. Music and parades fill the cities.

Carnival in Brazil

Brazil has the biggest Carnival in the world. Samba schools work all year to get ready. They make giant floats and sparkly costumes with feathers. The parade takes place in a special place called the Sambadrome. Millions of people come to watch and dance.

Dancers in sparkly costumes perform at a big Carnival parade.
Dancers in sparkly costumes perform at a big Carnival parade. (Fernando FrazĂŁo/AgĂȘncia Brasil / Wikimedia Commons)

Carnival in Other Places

Carnival is also celebrated in Venice, Italy, where people wear fancy masks. In Trinidad and Tobago, the music is filled with steel drums. New Orleans has Mardi Gras, which is part of Carnival. Each place has its own food, music, and style. All celebrate with joy and color.

Fun Facts

  • The word Carnival comes from Latin words that mean to remove meat.
  • Over two million people go to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival each year.
  • Venice Carnival masks were first worn hundreds of years ago to hide who people were.

Did You Know?

Some Carnival costumes have over 3,000 feathers sewn onto them. They can weigh as much as a small child!