From January, carnival invades the streets of many cities, from Nice to Dunkirk via Rio or Martinique. Parades, costumes and activities, discover the essential dates and the essentials to know to make the most of these events.
At the start of the year, several cities around the world come alive to the rhythm of carnivals, with colorful parades, grandiose floats and treats like traditional donuts. From Rio to Venice, via Nice and Dunkirk, these events are an opportunity to dress up and party. But behind this explosion of joy lies a religious tradition: to take full advantage before the start of Lent and fasting. Find out everything you need to know about these iconic festivities.
What are the dates of the different carnivals in 2025?
Every year, the Carnival festivities take place between Epiphany and Mardi Gras. Until then, cities around the world organize their own carnival. Some sometimes extend the event by a few days, or even several weeks. Here are the dates for carnivals in 2025:
- Carnival dates in Guadeloupe : from January 5 to March 5, 2025
- Dates of the Dunkirk carnival : from January 11 to April 27, 2025
- Dates of the Nice carnival : from February 15 to March 2, 2025
- Rio de Janeiro Carnival Dates in Brazil : from February 28 to March 4, 2025
- Venice Carnival dates: from February 22 to March 4, 2025
- Carnival dates in Martinique : from March 2 to 5, 2025
Where does the carnival tradition come from?
Carnival has its origins in very ancient traditions. Since ancient times, in Babylon, the inhabitants celebrated the Sacaea, five days of celebration dedicated to the goddess Anaïtis to mark the arrival of spring, with an exchange of roles between masters and slaves. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia, at the time of the winter solstice, followed a similar principle to honor Saturn.
In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church first rejected these pagan festivals before integrating them. Lent, a period of fasting of 40 days, and Easter were established in the 8th century, and carnival became popular as a time of entertainment before Lent. Today, although Carnival is no longer specifically religious, it remains linked to Christianity as a celebration preceding this period of fasting.
Why do we dress up at carnival?
Historically, the carnival materialized through a reversal of roles : the masters thus disguised themselves as slaves and vice versa or the rich as poor. This made it possible to mix with others despite social classes and to party together. From, disguise remains inseparable from carnivalstill today.
Why do we wear a mask during carnival?
At one time, wearing a mask allowed you to preserve the mystery of each person’s identity. The mask is in itself a disguise for the face, which hides the truth that lies beneath. Today, the mask is an essential element of carnival. It ensures the anonymity of the person who wears it and this allows them to put themselves a little more into the skin of the character they are playing. Here are some masks to print, make or color :
Why do we eat donuts at carnival?
The tradition of eat donuts at carnival finds its origin in Catholic rites. From a religious point of view, Carnival is a period of festivities preceding a time of fasting. Mardis Gras marks the end of the festivities. For Christians, Mardi Gras is an opportunity to enjoy rich and hearty dishes one last time before following a diet. Donuts were prepared this way so as not to waste people’s eggs and butter.
What activities to do with the children for carnival?
For carnival, there are a whole bunch ofactivities to do with family. Children can help make their own costume, or make their own mask or accessorieslike maracas to make noise in the street. For a gourmet touch, nothing like a sweet cooking recipe (donuts, cupcake…) to make with several hands, with your children.
