The biggest carnivals in the world

Carnivals take many shapes around the world, each with its own history, scale and cultural traditions. From the elaborate dresses of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the exquisite masks of the Venice Carnival, we’ve put together a list of the biggest carnivals in the world to inspire your next charter with us.

With tailored support through our private jet charter options at Air Charter Service (ACS), travellers can pair cultural immersion with seamless access and thoughtfully planned itineraries.

Venice Carnival

What is the Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice, or Carnivale di Venezia, is an annual festival held within the meandering collection of canals in Venice. Famous for its distinctive masks and decadent dress wear, the festival is believed to have begun way back in 1162.

After it was outlawed entirely in 1797, the Italian Government ordered the return of Carnival in 1979 in an effort to restore the history and culture of Venice. Now, over three million visitors descend on Venice every year to enjoy the festivities.

The celebration is renowned for its elegant masquerade balls, intricate handcrafted masks and traditional regattas, which together keep centuries of Venetian artistry at the heart of the event.

Where to stay for the Venice Carnival

Considering the city is almost full to capacity during the Venice Carnival, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re looking for a luxury stay.

A range of five-star hotels is available in this historic city. The Gritti Palace is located in a prime location across from the stunning Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Other opulent hotels include Hotel Danieli, Aman Venice and The St. Regis, Venice.

Fly by private jet to the Venice Carnival

Most private jet arrivals for Carnival use Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which handles both commercial and private aviation and offers a straightforward transfer to the lagoon. From there, private cars and water taxis provide quick access to the historic centre.

Those planning to attend can hire a luxury private jet to Venice for flexible arrival times and smooth connections to water transfers across the lagoon. Speak with one of our ACS team to begin your journey.

You can also learn more with our Venice destination guide for regional insights.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

What is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival?

Every year, over five million people descend on the Brazilian coastal city of Rio de Janeiro for the biggest carnival in the world, to see the colourful costumes, enormous floats and street parties of the Rio Carnival.

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival starts on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday and ends at noon on Ash Wednesday, during which there are multiple parades, open-air performances and lively celebrations. The highlight is the competition between samba schools at the Sambadrome, where choreography, costumes and music are judged over several nights.

Away from the stands, blocos – informal street parties with live music and themed crowds – fill neighbourhoods across the city, offering a more casual way to experience the festival.

Where to stay for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival

For a luxurious stay on Copacabana Beach, look no further than Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel. Inviting guests through its doors since 1923, Copacabana Palace includes everything you’d expect from five-star accommodation, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, first-class service and stunning interiors that pay homage to the grandeur of this iconic hotel.

Other lavish hotels that call this coast home include the Miramar Hotel by Windsor, Vila Santa Teresa, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro and Emiliano Rio.

Fly by private jet to Rio Carnival

Most international private flights land at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), also known as Galeão International Airport, which is the city’s main long-haul gateway and is used for private aviation. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), closer to the central districts, is often used by smaller aircraft for regional and domestic flights.

Arriving by luxury private jet to events such as Rio Carnival ensures flexibility around key parade dates and onward connections along the Brazilian coast. Our team can plan your charter from start to finish, from suggested routings to timing your arrivals during this peak period.

You can also explore our Rio de Janeiro private jet guide for more details.

New Orleans Mardi Gras

What is Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

Each year, New Orleans in Louisiana, USA, transforms into a carnival city that’s brimming with colourful floats, shiny beaded necklaces and eclectic celebrations.

A historic tradition, Mardi Gras starts two weeks before Shrove Tuesday, and now features at least one major parade each day. While much of the celebrations centre around Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, major parades originate throughout the city, including the Uptown and Mid City districts. Mardi Gras traditionally ends with the ‘Meeting of the Courts’ celebration on Shrove Tuesday.

Where to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

This coastal city offers a strong selection of lavish hotels that reflect its rich heritage. Roosevelt New Orleans, one of the city’s oldest and most impressive properties, features gloriously grand architecture that harks back to its 100-year-old origins. Now woven into the fabric of New Orleans life, it also delivers some of the best destination dining in the city.

Other first-class hotels that pay homage to the region’s history include Maison Metier, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt; The Windsor Court, a high-end New Orleans experience in the heart of downtown; and The Ritz-Carlton, which offers live jazz events.

Fly by private jet to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary airport for private jet arrivals, with FBO facilities and a location around 11 miles from downtown. From there, it’s a short drive into the French Quarter and other parade areas.

Travelling by private jet to events such as Mardi Gras allows visitors to maximise their time in the city at its busiest. Our team can support your charter arrangements and help you structure travel around key parade dates and major festivities.

For further regional information, see our New Orleans private jet charter guide.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

What is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

At the heart of the Canary Islands lies the extraordinarily beautiful island of Tenerife. An island of two faces, one side is full of remote mountain-ridge villages and charming ancient towns, while the other is bursting with bouncing revelry, bars, clubs and luxury resorts.

It's here, in the island’s capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held each year. For 15 days in February, the streets come alive with extravagant parades, joie de vivre, expression and extravagance in what is widely regarded as the second biggest carnival in the world, after the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

A packed programme includes the Gala Queen election, comparsa performances and a climactic parade that draws visitors from across Europe and beyond.

Where to stay for the Carnival of Santa Cruz in Tenerife

The island’s idyllic sandy beaches lend themselves to luxury accommodation, offering revellers a perfect escape from the crowds. A favourite amongst celebrities, Europe Villa Cortes is one such hotel. Featuring superb service, beautiful surroundings and top-notch dining, this is a romantic and gastronomic slice of paradise on the coast.

There’s also the Royal Hideaway Corales Suites that invites the rich and famous through its doors all year round. The contemporary quarters boast fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, huge ocean-view terraces and private pools.

For a more boutique experience, the Royal Garden Villas and Spa offers a selection of secluded private villas. These stunningly appointed houses are opulent cocoons of serenity up in the hills of Tenerife, where you can get away from the crowds and relax in a sultry spa, private pool or on a spacious balcony.

Fly by private jet to Carnival of Santa Cruz in Tenerife

Tenerife is served by two main airports that welcome private jets. Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport (TFN) is closest to Santa Cruz, while Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport (TFS) handles many international and long-haul routes. Both provide easy access to the island’s resorts and Carnival events.

This classic getaway destination welcomes a large number of private jets every year and is highly accommodating to luxury travellers. Chartering a luxury private jet makes it easier to combine Carnival dates with extended time exploring Tenerife or the wider Canary Islands.

Talk to our team to plan your private charter for the Carnival of Santa Cruz in Tenerife, or learn more with our Canary Islands destination guide.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

What is Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most renowned cultural celebrations. Held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday each year, Port of Spain comes alive with colourful costumed band parades, rum-soaked festivities and the sound of steel drum music.

The carnival celebrations are so popular, they have been replicated all over the world, including at the Notting Hill Carnival in London. Highlights include J’Ouvert, when revellers take to the streets before dawn, the Parade of the Bands, and Panorama, a renowned steelpan competition that showcases the islands’ musical heritage.

Where to stay for Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

For a luxury stay for the carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad never fails to impress. Located close to the action in downtown Port of Spain, this contemporary waterfront hotel offers flawless and authentic Caribbean hospitality.

If you’re searching for a more secluded location, PeSheres Inn & Spa is a five-star option located on Tobago, allowing you to get away from it all. This is the perfect place to enjoy comfortable luxury, with an outdoor pool, sauna and many more premium amenities.

Fly by private jet to Trinidad and Tobago

For Carnival in Port of Spain, most private jet flights arrive into Piarco International Airport (POS), Trinidad’s main international gateway, with onward transfers into the city. Travellers extending their stay to Tobago typically continue to A. N. R. Robinson International Airport (TAB), which serves Scarborough and the island’s resorts.

The Caribbean is one of the few regions in the world where island hopping is not only possible, but encouraged. A private jet to events such as Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is an ideal way to do this. With no long airport queues or delays, it means you can spend as much time on the ground as possible, all the while enjoying a luxurious mode of transport. If you want to travel via private jet charter for Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond, our team can help organise a tailored itinerary.

Experiencing global carnivals in comfort

Contact us if you would like to find out more about how we can tailor your private jet charter. We’d also be happy to speak to you about your other options for flexible, cost-effective jet charter, like our Jet Card that offers benefits unsurpassed by any other product on the private aviation market.

And if you’d like assistance with arranging other aspects of your travels, such as accommodation, transfers and experiences, be sure to speak to The Travel Division at Air Charter Service.