Rio vs Venice Carnival 2016

By
Sue Lobo
-
3838

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.

Rio vs Venice Carnival 2016

Rio Carnival

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. 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 5th through 10th in 2016.

dancing crowd

Venice Carnival

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.

In 2016, the carnival will take place from January 23rd to February 9th, 2016 and who knows what exciting events might take place.  Learn more about the Venice Carnival 2016.

Carnival Mask in Venice

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.

European travel is richest with expert guidance. Our advisors’ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Europe guide is your foundation.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2016 information and is retained as a useful reference. For the most current details, contact Atlas Travel Center — our advisors stay up to date on all travel conditions, pricing, and availability. We’ve been in business since 1987 and hold an A+ BBB rating.

Previous articleOur Favorite Destinations in the U.S.
Next articleCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo
https://www.atlastravelweb.com
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR