Where can you find the biggest parties in the world?
Carnivals!
Carnivals are a vibrant celebration of culture, music, dance and life – truly, the biggest parties in the world.
Take Rio’s flamboyant parades marking the start of lent, or Mexico’s Dia de Muertos, joyfully honouring the dead.
Carnivals mean communities united, traditions are passed down and a great party had by all.
Where can you experience some of the world’s most unique carnivals?
Sail away and celebrate the Greek Easter
In 2025 we are very lucky that Greek Easter falls in the Easter School holidays for the UK, which is often not the case. What is even better is that Easter falls in low season meaning prices are at their lowest for the year…and if the weather last April was anything to go by it’s the new time to travel to Corfu!
My first experience of Greek Easter was completely by accident, and I got 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 then able to bring the flame to the yachts to bless them for the year. Such a special occasion.
Think pot throwing, marching bands, fireworks and lots of roast lamb before retiring to your private yacht anchored in the bay.
A truly wonderful time of year to celebrate with the locals and should definitely be experienced once!
Kalo Pascha…Happy Easter!
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.
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 and Uruguay expert
