The Rio de Janeiro Carnival and the Venice Carnival are the biggest celebrations in their cities and have much in common including lots of eating and drinking; masquerade balls, and parades. Like the French celebration of Mardi Gras they end right before Lent–the time when Roman Catholics practice self-denial and give up certain pleasures. Although they are alike in many ways, they each have their own distinctive flavor which reflects the culture of these two beautiful cities.
Many countries hold festivals during this time, but the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is without a doubt one of the most famous of its kind, and like many of the others goes way back to ancient days when the spring festival was celebrated in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine. It eventually evolved into what it is today…a week of wild celebration and indulgences right before giving it all up for lent. Rio had its first masquerade ball to celebrate this event in 1840 followed by the addition of street parades, with colorful floats, ten years later. In 1917 the Samba (a mixture of African, Angolan, European and Cuban dances) became a big part of the carnival. Today the carnival is actually organized by “samba schools” which are neighborhood associations that work all year to prepare for carnival. Contests are held to determine the best costume, theme, and musical performance. The four days during the carnival is a very popular time for people all over the world to visit Rio. For those who are thinking about celebrating carnival “Rio de Janeiro-style”, the events will take place from February 9th through 12th in 2013.
During the 11th century, the Venice carnival was a major celebration consisting of a party that lasted two months, but by the 18th century it was beginning to fall into decline. In the late 1970′s it once again became a popular event and today it is the most important festival in the city with nearly 30,000 visitors coming to Venice every day during the carnival. Masks and costumes are the central theme of this ten day party which, like the Rio carnival, leads right up to Ash Wednesday. Each year there is a different theme, and all kinds of exciting events such as theater and musical performances in public and private venues; costume parades; and dances. This year the party ended with a silent water parade on the Grand Canal with gondolas lit only by candles. In 2013, the carnival will take place from February 2nd to the 13th and who knows what exciting events might take place.
For those who enjoy food, drink and lots and lots of partying; deciding between Rio de Janeiro, the carnival capitol of the world with its samba celebrations and colorful parades; or the beautiful city of Venice and all the people in elaborate masks and costumes may be a tough choice. Either way, each city is unique and offers a never-to-be-forgotten celebration.
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