Where can you find the biggest parties in the world?
The biggest celebrations in the world are surely carnivals.
Carnivals are a vibrant celebration of culture, music, dance and life – truly, the biggest parties you can find and be a part of.
Take Rio’s flamboyant parades marking the start of lent, or Mexico’s Dia de Muertos, joyfully honouring the dead – celebrations that blend history, culture, music, outfits and atmosphere – and so many more.
Carnivals mean communities united, traditions being passed down and enjoyment.
So where in the world can you experience some of the world’s most unique carnivals?
Sail away and celebrate the Greek Easter
In a luck year, Greek Easter falls in the Easter School holidays for the UK. It doesn’t always happen but if it does it’s worth planning your visit.
What is even better is that Easter typically falls in low season meaning prices are at their lowest for the year…and if the weather last April was anything to go by in 2025, it’s the new time to travel to Corfu!
My first experience of Greek Easter was completely by accident, and I was wonderfully caught up in the happiness and celebrations of the whole island community coming together. My second experience of Greek Easter was being on the same aeroplane as the Holy Light which travels from Jerusalem to every church in Greece on Easter Saturday. I was able to bring the flame to the yacht I was sailing on, to bless her for the year. Such a special occasion.
Think pot throwing, marching bands, fireworks and lots of roast lamb before retiring to your yacht anchored in the bay, under the fireworks and the stars.
A truly wonderful time of year to celebrate with the locals and should definitely be experienced once!
Kalo Pascha…Happy Easter!
Blend Corfu and Paxos for a twin-centre break, or enjoy a Greek itinerary specifically designed for families.
Junkanoo in the Bahamas
Discover the Bahamas like never before with a holiday centered around the vibrant Junkanoo festival. Held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, this lively celebration offers an authentic taste of Bahamian culture.
Watch as the streets come alive with colourful parades, stunning costumes, and the rhythmic sounds of cowbells, drums, and brass instruments. It’s a joyful, immersive experience that showcases the heart and soul of the islands.
Alongside the festivities, enjoy the Bahamas’ beautiful beaches, luxury accommodations, and warm hospitality.
The biggest party is in Rio de Janeiro!
The Rio Carnival is an explosion of colour, rhythm, and joy that transforms the city into a massive party each year.
Held just before Lent, this world-famous festival embodies the heart and soul of Brazilian culture. Samba music fills the air as thousands of dancers parade through the iconic Sambadrome in dazzling costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and glitter. The energy is contagious, with street parties (blocos) popping up in every corner, inviting everyone to join the fun.
From the pulsating beats of the drums to the mesmerising moves of samba dancers, the celebration is a sensory overload. What makes Rio Carnival special is its inclusiveness; locals and tourists alike lose themselves in the festivities. Whether you’re watching the grand parades or dancing in the streets, the experience is unforgettable—a vibrant celebration of life, culture, and community like no other.
Plan your holiday to coincide with Carnival with our classic 2-weeks in Brazil itinerary or pair with Argentina for a fabulous two-country trip.
One of the biggest parties in the world: the Day of the Dead in Mexico
Oaxaca is famous for food, it’s stunning pacific coastline and, Day of the dead, or “Día de Muertos” which occurs on the 2nd November is a celebration that takes place in all over Mexico, Oaxaca is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in several days of celebration.
This is a joyful celebration where family and friends gather to pay respects to those who aren’t with us anymore. Pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic feasts occur over several days and even weeks.
One of the biggest parties in the world, and indeed, one of the most famous – this is an event that you should attend at least once.
Tapati Rapa Nui
Written by Val Garibotti
Top Travel Tip
“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”
– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador & Galapagos, and Uruguay expert
