Comparisons
Carnival 2027: Rio, Venice or New Orleans? Dates and how to plan
The world's most famous carnivals compared, with 2027 dates, what to expect and tips for tickets, costumes and places to stay.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Carnival 2027 peaks around Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027.
- Rio's main samba parades in the Sambadrome are on 7–9 February, Venice Carnival runs from 23 January to 9 February, and New Orleans' Mardi Gras is on 9 February after weeks of parades.
- Book flights and accommodation as early as possible: prices rise sharply and the best areas sell out.
| Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras | 9 February 2027 |
|---|---|
| Rio Sambadrome parades | 7–9 February 2027 |
| Rio Champions' Parade | 13 February 2027 |
| Venice Carnival | 23 January–9 February 2027 |
| Book by | Autumn 2026 for the best choice |
Rio de Janeiro: the biggest party on earth
Rio's carnival runs from 5 to 10 February 2027. The headline event is the Special Group parade at the Sambadrome on the nights of 7, 8 and 9 February, when the top samba schools compete with huge floats and thousands of dancers. The winning schools return for the Champions' Parade on 13 February.
Sambadrome tickets range from grandstand seats to boxes (camarotes) with food and drink. Free street parties, called blocos, take over neighbourhoods from January onwards. It's the height of summer, so expect heat and big crowds; carry little and keep valuables out of sight.
Venice: masks and elegance
Venice Carnival 2027 runs from 23 January to 9 February. It's famous for elaborate masks and costumes, masked balls in palaces and photogenic gatherings in St Mark's Square. It is cold and can be foggy, which adds atmosphere.
Hotels inside Venice fill quickly, so book early or stay in Mestre, a short train ride away. Buy a mask from a traditional workshop rather than a souvenir stall.
New Orleans: Mardi Gras
In New Orleans, carnival season begins on Twelfth Night, 6 January, with parades building up to Mardi Gras day itself on Tuesday 9 February 2027. The biggest parades roll in the final weekend and on Mardi Gras, along St Charles Avenue and through the city, with riders throwing beads and trinkets to the crowds.
Watching the parades is free. Family-friendly spots are along St Charles Avenue Uptown, while Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is the rowdiest.
Other carnivals worth knowing
- Trinidad and Tobago: Carnival Monday and Tuesday on 8–9 February 2027, with calypso, soca and steel pan.
- Cologne, Germany: street parties peak on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), 8 February 2027.
- Nice, France: parades and the flower battles over about two weeks in February.
Which carnival is right for you?
Choose Rio for scale, summer heat and samba; Venice for romance, history and costumes; and New Orleans for music, food and an easy trip from anywhere in the US. Whichever you pick, carnival week is the most expensive time to visit, so lock in your stay first.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rio Carnival 2027?
Rio Carnival 2027 runs from 5 to 10 February, with the main Sambadrome parades on 7, 8 and 9 February and the Champions' Parade on 13 February.
When is Mardi Gras 2027?
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday 9 February 2027. In New Orleans, parades take place throughout the preceding weeks, building to the final weekend.
What are the dates of Venice Carnival 2027?
Venice Carnival 2027 runs from 23 January to 9 February 2027.
