The dazzling spectacle of feathers and sequins, the tantalizing aroma of local cuisine, the cheers of an electrified crowd, the hypnotic pulse of percussion... Nothing compares to the magic of a great carnival. In some cities, carnival weekends bring more festivities than any public holiday, transforming streets into a whirlwind of color and celebration.
From New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro, Venice to London, you can don your most eye-catching attire and dance from day to night in some of the world’s most iconic festivities.
We’ve rounded up the 15 biggest, brightest, and most boisterous carnivals worth experiencing. Click through the gallery to explore them.