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What countries come to mind when you hear the word “Carnival”? Trinidad? Jamaica? Brazil? Those three countries are definitely at the top of the carnival list on the map, but the annual celebration takes place on islands throughout the Caribbean, as well in countries in both Central and South America. A festive time filled with flag waving, wining, steel-pan music, calypso, soca, colorful costumes and decorated floats, each country has their own Carnival traditions and celebrates in ways that speak to their respective cultures and folklore.
Carnival festivities typically take place during the Lenten season, culminating in Carnival on the Monday or Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but many countries celebrate during other seasons. Months of preparation typically culminate in a month’s worth of festivities. The only standard rule, no matter where you celebrate carnival? Go hard or go home. So the next time you hear about Carnival (or plan on attending) think outside of the box and think of the following countries as well.
