February is the month of carnivals. They take place throughout Europe (and not only), leaving an unforgettable mark on people’s hearts. Two weeks of general unbridled fun and celebration - anyone who has ever seen it, experienced it, felt it will never forget it.
Carnival in Venice. The Venetian carnival is held 40 days before Easter, on the “mardigra” - “day of repentance”, the first day of Lent, but mass holidays begin two weeks before this, when a dove flies over the central square of the city, San Marco. In ancient times, on the opening day of the carnival, a prisoner was allowed to walk along a rope fixed between the bell tower and the neighboring palace, who from above showered the ground with rose petals. If the unfortunate person reached the end, they hoped for good year, fell - bad times were expected. The prisoner was subsequently replaced by an acrobat, and then by an artificial wooden dove, from which flowers rained down onto the square. In 2001, the townspeople decided to resume the forgotten tradition - and instead of an artificial dove, an acrobat dressed in an angel costume again glided along the rope. In general, carnival is performances in theaters, palaces, coffee houses and small playhouses; it is an atmosphere of a general holiday, when in the crowd simple people They mix with aristocrats, and behind the masks you can’t guess who is where. Everywhere there are dancers and jugglers, sellers of potions and fried apples, actors of the comedy “Delarte” and snake charmers. In city squares there are “historical” concerts and fireworks. Music and wine flow like a river. There are carnival performances in theatres, and masquerade balls for the elite public in ancient palaces. One of the most spectacular spectacles of the Venetian Carnival is the parade of decorated boats and gondolas along the Grand Canal. However, carnival is not exclusively a Venetian tradition. Similar costume events take place in many countries around the world.
Carnival in Nice. February on the Blue Coast is already the beginning of spring. The air temperature reaches +20 °C during the day, mimosa blooms wildly, the sun, the sea - it seems that nature itself demands holidays. And it takes place in Nice every year, with the only exceptions being the years of World War II and the Gulf War (in 1991). And the first mention of the carnival in Nice dates back to 1294, when Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, noted that he spent there fun days holiday. Now Nice is a city that symbolizes luxury. Parades, carnival processions in the evening light, the battle of flowers on the Promenade des Anglaises, performances, concerts, prestigious banquets - all this lasts for 15 days. His Majesty the Carnival arrives in the central Place Masséna in honor, accompanied by his retinue, and during his fictional reign any kind of folly is possible. The Carnival Flower Parade (first organized in 1876) features 20 decorated floats and about 600 giant big-headed dolls made especially for the event. “Battle of Flowers” is a real procession: a caravan of carts floats in front of you, each of which is completely shrouded in fresh flowers. The Blue Coast's most glamorous models, adorned with glittering rhinestones and pins, smile as they throw flowers at the audience in the stands. Musical groups from different countries and street theater troupes draw the entire nation into the action. And in the evening the Parade of Lights begins. Around the central Place Massena there is a panel with carnival scenes. The final parade takes place on Maslenitsa: according to tradition, His Majesty the carnival is burned on a bonfire, which is usually laid out on the city beach.
Carnival in the Canary Islands. The celebration in the Canary Islands became the second largest and most popular event in the world after the carnival held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Anyone who would like to know more about the history of the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife should go back to the 18th century. Wealthy families on the island regularly held costume parties in their homes, at which people dressed in funny clothes. Most likely, the tradition of wearing a mask at the carnival was born in this city: at almost all fiestas, the women of Santa Cruz de Tenerife appeared on Pilar Street with their faces hidden.
Not only the nobility, but also ordinary people also held carnivals in their towns, despite the fact that the authorities and the church forbade people to dance and joke, dressing in “frivolous” clothes. carnival costumes. The most important night of the holiday is the night on which the queen of the carnival is elected. No queen in the world has a reign as short as hers, although teams of fashion designers, designers and seamstresses work on the outfit intended for the mistress of this title for many months. This is exactly how long it takes to turn an unusual fantasy into reality and create a “royal” costume, the weight of which sometimes reaches forty kilograms.
And the title of queen is awarded to the most charming, most beautiful and resilient girl. The main attributes of the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are dances in the city square, in which a thousand “masks” take part. Even those who just want to look at everyone from the side, the processions that move rhythmically are still drawn into the “action” with their inflammatory dances. The only thing that matters is how you feel and physical state, because they start dancing at 8 pm and continue non-stop (I understand who can do it) until the morning.
In 1987, over 200 thousand people danced here at the same time. The carnival celebrations end with the “funeral” of the sardine: the cardboard fish is accompanied by people in masks and disappointing widows” (usually portrayed by mustachioed men); moans and cries are repeatedly heard on the streets. Ultimately, the “sardine” is burned and its ashes are buried on the beach in the place where the carnival is planned to begin next year.
Carnival in Spain. The Carnival in Cadiz in southern Spain differs from all others in hosting food festivals and competitions. Of course, here too, masquerade costumes remain important, which can be individual or made “for two,” or even for a whole company. In Cadiz, it is considered a shame to miss the Carousel Choir, a performance of choirs in the main square, where thousands of people come especially to enjoy the beautiful singing and choose the performers they liked best.
Carnival in Germany. The end of February in the German lands that stretch along the Rhine is called “clown times.” The beginning of the first week of Lent is the culmination of a riotous, colorful, unrestrained carnival. They prepare for it in advance with that thoroughness that the Germans themselves call “animal seriousness”: at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month, carnival committees are created in Mainz, Dusseldorf, Cologne and Bonn. And then work is in full swing in each city: props and wardrobe are updated, candidates of respected citizens for the role of “carnival prince” are discussed, to whom on “Pink Monday” (the last day of the holidays) the mayor solemnly transfers the key to the town hall and... power. Everyone except doctors and police usually take part in costume balls and street walks.
Carnival in the Netherlands. According to tradition, the Burgundian lands of the Netherlands, Limburg and North Brabant, completely surrender to the elements of the holiday. These days there is no state or public power - everything is subject to the unspoken law of a loud and cheerful carnival, and the prince elected by the people temporarily replaces the burgomaster himself. The carnival procession takes place under samba (just like in Brazil), the holiday begins on Saturday and lasts until Tuesday. To the sound of music and the roar of drums, people dance and have fun, alcoholic drinks flow like a river. It is believed that Carnival masks and the costumes ward off evil spirits for a whole year.
Carnival in Hungary. In Hungary, at the carnival, you can see how residents dressed in long-haired animal skins and wearing brightly painted masks say goodbye to winter. Everyone has bells in their hands, which amuse or frighten the whole city. This holiday of farewell to winter and welcoming of spring ends with the solemn and very cheerful funeral of Maslenitsa.
In the Middle Ages, this day destroyed barriers between classes, ignored the rules of decency and allowed open ridicule of authority. It was a time of uncontrolled fun, relaxation and permissiveness. Schools and courts were closed. Misunderstandings and quarrels were forgotten. Even wars stopped moving.
Anna Baklaga learned how the carnival originated and what traditions have survived to this day.
Carnival is a day of unimaginable transformations. Bright outfits, general rejoicing, fiery dances and jokes - it’s hard to ignore such a procession. Therefore, every year, in February, thousands of people come to the birthplace of this holiday - Europe. The word carnival itself is of Italian origin and is translated as: “farewell to meat.” The fact is that initially, this event meant farewell to meat food and entertainment before Lent. And only on the day of the carnival did people allow themselves almost everything. The most important difference carnival from other holidays - cancellation of all social statuses. And if on others official holidays pointedly emphasized the hierarchical differences of people, then the carnival was their complete opposite. The man seemed to be reborn. The carnival site opened up the possibility of relationships that were completely unusual for a certain type of people.
During the carnival, people allowed themselves almost everything
The prototype of this holiday in the pre-Christian era can be called the Roman Saturnalia. They were associated with the end of agricultural work. The motive was rest, and a revolution in the existing world order. Power passed to a fictitious king, the lower classes became the highest. In a word, people changed places and did what they could not afford in the world. ordinary life. The face mask was the main component of the image. She allowed him to remain unrecognized and avoid punishment for his tricks. Masked people could publicly criticize unjust authorities and those who hid their immoral actions. Moreover, this was done in an extremely harsh manner.
After some time, the tradition of carnival spread throughout Europe. Now, this holiday is celebrated all over the world. However, in each country it has its own history and unique style.
Venice Carnival
The Carnival in Venice is considered one of the most popular in the world. It is characterized by mystery and mysticism. In addition to the traditional rituals, which represent a huge stage action, the Venetian Carnival takes place every year under a special theme. This spectacle captures the spirit of visitors and not only. The whole city becomes the scene of the action. The opening ceremony of the carnival is held in the main square of the city, in front of the Cathedral of St. Mark the Apostle. It is from there that the first costume parade begins.
In Italy, white masks with a long nose were worn during the plague, or killer
At the carnival in Venice, you can find a whole abundance of mysterious masks. And only there you can see the masquerade regatta of local gondoliers. By the way, beloved by tourists white mask with a huge nose, has unpleasant associations for the townspeople. Indeed, in Italy, such masks were worn during the plague, and a sponge with vinegar was placed in the long nose so as not to catch the disease. Also, it was worn by very mysterious people or killers.
Brazilian Carnival
An unforgettable show, fantastic outfits, complete freedom of expression - all this resonated in Rio. The popular Brazilian carnival “came” to the country from Portugal. The capital of the procession is the city of Rio de Janeiro, where the festival lasts four days and four nights. The main pride of the carnival in Brazil is the parade of samba schools. The best representatives of different schools compete on a 700-meter long alley called the “Sambodrome”. There are between three and five thousand speakers. Each group of dancers is assigned a specific theme, which they choose annually. And, in accordance with the chosen theme, each team designs its own platform, choreography, presentation and costumes.
The Brazilian carnival has from 3 to 5 thousand performers
Every detail in this show is thought out to the smallest detail, because the competition evaluates not only the skills of dance schools. Costumes, scenery, artistic embodiment of the theme, rhythmic accuracy, as well as the degree of enthusiasm of the public are brought before the judges. During the carnival, people in Rio de Janeiro forget about work and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the samba, which is danced by almost the entire city.
Cologne Carnival
Numerous festivities, dressing up, musical performances and costume balls - all this did not escape the residents of Cologne. A grandiose carnival procession passes through the central streets and squares of the city. A few months before the main holiday, the organizers come up with the slogan of the carnival - the song with which the procession will take place, and the three main characters. Traditionally, they are the prince, the peasant and the maiden. And already in February, carnival meetings, balls and processions begin to take place in the city. And this continues for six days. From early morning, during the official opening of the holiday, the streets of the city are filled with women. They storm the Cologne City Hall and do whatever they want on that day. All days the city is filled with vibrant musical and carnival events. At the end of the carnival, a mandatory ritual is performed - the burning of a large straw effigy. Residents of the city believe that in this way, before Lent, all the sins accumulated over the year are forgiven.
Carnival in Nice
Residents of the city celebrate the holiday in Nice for two weeks. The main characters of the carnival are giant papier-mâché dolls. They weigh up to two tons and tower eight or twelve meters above the carts. An entire prefabricated stadium is being erected on Place Massena, and the houses are dressed in 120 thousand square meters of plywood, which is painted by 120 artists.
Carnival in Nice continues for two weeks
You can also see real flower processions there. About twenty platforms are decorated with fresh flowers. To do this long and painstaking work, florists need 4000-5000 stems. Later, during the walk, thousands of flowers fly into the crowd. The cheerful holiday is accompanied by concerts, fireworks, and His Majesty Carnival, with its queen.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Spanish carnival is second in size only to the Brazilian procession. Dressed up in a variety of costumes, almost everyone takes part in the carnival. Live music is played throughout and various souvenirs and food are sold. Various balls, performances and concerts take place. There is also a parade of fiery dances to Latin American melodies. A significant event of the holiday can be called the selection of the carnival queen, who will participate in the holiday throughout the days.
Carnival costumes can weigh more than tens of kilograms
Candidates for this are selected throughout the year. The queen must be not only beautiful, but also quite hardy. After all, all these incredible costumes that are sewn for the carnival can weigh more than tens of kilograms.
Carnival in Barranquilla
This unique carnival includes Caribbean folklore, dances with elements of poetry, comedy theater, costumed performances and music bands. The Colombian Carnival has been named an "intangible treasure of humanity" by UNESCO. During the holiday, which is multicultural in nature, everyone in the city is immersed in an illusory world of dreams.
Extravagant and luxurious costumes, giant chariots, colorful processions, breathtaking performances: this is all the period of carnivals! In hot and cold weather, over the course of several days or even months, you can become familiar with the beliefs and traditions of each country. Some people spend a whole year preparing for the event!
An extraordinary festive Universe, no carnival is like another. All generations unite and have fun under one slogan: indulge in joy!
Carnival in Basel
Starting on February 23, the Swiss city is filled with the sounds of flutes and masks of passersby walking through the streets, who are engrossed in shopping, visiting bars, restaurants and everything that is open on this day. Music comes from all corners and it is impossible to find time for a break. The Basel Carnival is the largest popular festival in Switzerland, where about 20,000 people parade in costumes.
Carnival in Binche
Like the Oruro Carnival, the Binche Carnival is renowned as a masterpiece of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It lasts 2 months, but during the 3 most intense days (each of which has its own theme) Gilly and other folk characters such as Pierrot, Harlequin and the peasant dance to the sound of trumpets and drums.
Carnival in Dunkirk
It originated among sailors who, before going to sea, gathered together to have fun and get rid of the fear of the disastrous seas washing Iceland. But during the Second World War, this custom was transformed into a festive and national carnival. Each participant is an “actor” of the carnival and he must dance and sing along with his neighbors from his “gang”.
Carnival in New Orleans
Right before Lent, Louisiana dresses up in purple, gold and green. Purple symbolizes justice, gold symbolizes power, green symbolizes faith. At the carnival, they eat the famous Royal Galette, parade, dance or throw various kinds of trinkets into the crowd: beads, cups and even coins. Abolished during colonial times, it has been celebrated again since 1699 thanks to the explorer René-Robert Cavelier.
Carnival in Lisbon
Inspired by the Rio Carnival, the Lisbon festival is all about parades in the streets, food and fun. Thousands of people from all over the world, imbued with the Brazilian spirit, gather to the rhythms of samba in Rossio Square every year to have fun before Lent.
Carnival in Nice
The most grandiose carnival in France, which takes place over 2 weeks in winter. This holiday has a more symbolic meaning in the Niçoise calendar and is known for its “flower battle”. During the festival, spectators are showered with mimosas, lilies and daisies. About 20 giant chariots drive through the streets along the seashore and bring joy to millions of spectators.
Carnival in Quebec
The world's largest winter carnival takes place before Lent from mid-January to early February. Every year there are unchanging traditions: the construction of an ice palace (about 300 tons), a snow bath, canoe racing on ice... more than a million people unite year after year around the symbol of the holiday - the snowman.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
The most important festival in the world. To have fun before Lent, Rio de Janeiro transforms itself in 4 days into a picturesque anthill strewn with sparkles. About 3,000 people parade and sing in chorus the words from the samba-enredo song. Participants try not to make mistakes in their movements so that their dance school wins the title of carnival champion.
Carnival in Venice
This is the oldest carnival. It originates in the Middle Ages. On the occasion of the holiday, participants wore make-up to destroy conventions between social strata and contradictions during the period of Lent. Today, times have changed, but traditions are still symbolic for the people of Venice. At the end of the carnival, the most beautiful costume is chosen and has the honor of opening the next ball.
Carnival in Oruro
Famous in the Bolivian capital, this carnival honors the Uru people, the indigenous people who desperately tried to save their territory and preserve their way of life. Listed by UNESCO as a world masterpiece of the oral and spiritual heritage of humanity. Some 30,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians bring the streets to life, dancing and playing to a frantic rhythm.
Carnival is one of the most popular and vibrant types of traditional festivals in the world. Originating as an exclusively religious celebration, today the carnival has absorbed a whole range of ancient and modern trends, becoming synonymous with a truly extraordinary holiday.
Carnival traditions include massive street celebrations with noisy processions, elements of circus and theater. The carnival allowed people to go beyond the usual - to plunge into the world of sensual pleasures and abundance. The main feature of the carnival is the rich use of masks from the folklore arsenal. The carnival masquerade allowed its participants not only to be transformed beyond recognition, but also to become a participant in a fascinating action, built according to the canons of ancient mysteries.
Origin of carnivals
The word “carnival” comes from a combination of two words from the Italian language – carne (“meat”) and vale (“farewell”), which came to us in the French version – carnival. This is how, since the Middle Ages in Europe, they have designated the period of public festivities preceding food restrictions (in particular, the ban on meat food) during the main fast of the year. According to the Catholic calendar, this time falls in February, the beginning of March - the period between Epiphany (Epiphany) and Lent (Quaresima). The more ancient origins of carnival lie in pagan tradition Roman Saturnalia - a popular holiday in Antiquity in honor of the end of the agricultural season.
The appearance of carnivals is associated with the emergence of the first independent cities in Europe. It is no coincidence that the oldest carnival in the world is considered to be the Venetian one, reflecting the power and splendor of the city-state at the time of its maximum rise. The Italian initiative soon spread to major cities in France and then Germany.
In Eastern European countries, carnivals correspond to such popular folk holidays, like Maslenitsa or Myasopust, which largely retain the features of pre-Christian folk cults. And in the Alpine regions of France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, carnival festivities also retain a vivid imprint of the pagan past. Mummers dressed as characters from German mythology - violent spirits and horned demons - often take part in street processions here.
Carnivals on different continents
Although the custom of carnival originated in Catholic Western countries, fun party has taken root in many parts of the world. The oldest carnivals outside of Europe originated as part of cultural exports in Europe's numerous colonies in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. Another source of the spread of carnivals in the world was the activity of Catholic missionaries, who in this way attracted the native population to Christian traditions.
Nowadays, elements of the classic carnival are found in many holidays on all continents of the Earth. The main carnivals of the world have turned into real brands, reflecting national traditions of a particular country from its most attractive side. Global media broadcasting them to an audience of millions makes these events more popular every year.
Carnivals of Europe
The carnival center of Europe, without a doubt, is Italy, which gave rise to this cultural phenomenon. In the days before Lent, Italian cities erupt in color with masquerades and street parties from south to north. The carnival whirlpool captures Venice, Rome, Ivrea, and.
Many French cities, starting from Paris and ending with the resort of Nice, are plunged into the carnival abyss. Particularly colorful festivities traditionally take place in the southern regions of the country, as well as in cities and near the borders with Belgium.
One of the most vibrant and eventful carnival seasons in Europe can be observed in the large cities of Germany, where carnivals are called the “Fifth Season of the Year”. German carnivals (in German "Fasching" or "Fastnacht") begin several months before the main holiday with preparatory work, built with German pedantry. According to the scenario established over the centuries, power in the city is transferred to a cheerful trio of the King and Queen of the carnival, as well as the Jester (Peasant), under whose leadership the usual way of life is turned upside down. For several months, such sedate cities as , become the scene of grandiose celebrations, which reach their peak during the final parade in Rosenmontag (“Pink Monday”).
Carnivals of America
The carnival in the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, not only tops the ranking of similar celebrations in America, but also sets a kind of “carnival standard” for the scale and beauty of all carnivals in the world. No less interesting carnivals take place in numerous island countries of the Caribbean region - Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique.
North American carnivals are highly intermixed ancient traditions With modern types mass entertainment. A typical example of such a symbiosis is the most famous of them, taking place in New Orleans. The Mardi Gras carnival (“Fat Tuesday”) arose from an ancient custom brought to the States by colonists from France. In the 20th century, Americans improved the medieval celebration by adding the rich sounds of jazz, vibrant images of American pop culture and frivolous competitions in the spirit of the Sexual Revolution of the 70s.
At least once a year, every socially responsible, civilized and even slightly spiritual citizen suddenly feels the urge to take a long-established fig out of his pocket and walk down the street in a mask with a stupid nose, outraged at his own status and amusing passers-by. This is how the body protests against the higher spiritual principles that enslave it. The voice of the flesh, that is, the meat from which it is made. The most civilized and historically proven way to say “yes” to this voice is to take part in the carnival. Moreover, the word “carnival” itself comes from the word “carne”, that is, “flesh”.
Catholic carnivals usually take place before Lent in February-March and are accompanied by masquerades, dressing up and festive processions. Despite this global uniformity, there are many local variations. So, which cities host the most vibrant and famous carnivals in the world?
1. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil, duration - 4 days
No words. No explanation. No medieval traditions. Solid samba, spotlights and fantastic costumes (they are called “fantasies”) weighing 10 kg. It's surprising that at the same time female body remains practically naked.
2. Salvador da Bahia
El Salvador, duration - 6 days
This carnival is not much inferior to the Brazilian one, but it is much less known among fat and boring American tourists. Therefore, there is significantly less directing and disbursed municipal funds, but more testosterone, hooliganism and improvisation. Unlike its Brazilian counterpart, here anyone can easily become a participant in the parade. To do this, he just needs to buy a T-shirt that gives him the right to join a group. Details about one of the most vibrant carnivals in the world are in the novels of Jorge Amado.
3. Cologne and Dusseldorf
Germany, duration - 3-4 months
This is not Rio de Janeiro. These are two of the oldest and rival European carnivals, similar to each other, but unlike anything else. Unbelted German frau annually storm the city hall, and then patrol the streets in search of men in ties (ties are mercilessly cut off with scissors). Then everyone makes peace, chooses a prince and princess, jokes in German and drinks beer.
In 2003, neat Germans established a fine for disorderly urination, which hardly spoiled the general fun. By the way, “disordered” means when it’s in emptiness, but if it’s on a wall or an 18th-century monument, then it doesn’t even count.
4. Venice
Italy, duration - 10 days
Venetians are a special people, and they cannot be called friendly. Yes, they are snobs, but they have every reason to be so. Some carnival participants have surnames that are 500 years old.
The first impression of the carnival is stunning. Authentic costumes of the 18th century, which are stored not in museums, but in home chests. Once a year they take them out, put them on themselves and go outside.
Everything there is authentic - both the costumes and the buildings. I want to be worthy of this magnificent frame. There is no need to blend in with the Venetian crowd. At the carnival you can be an individualist. Just put it on gorgeous suit and wander gloomily in it. A crowd of photographers will immediately run after you.
5. Dublin
Ireland, duration - 3-7 days
The uniqueness of the Irish carnival is that it takes place not on Maslenitsa, but on St. Patrick's Day - March 17th. Therefore, you can catch it after the other carnivals are over. Everyone wears green and drinks a lot of Guinness. An examination of Dublin during the carnival days suggests that Joyce, after all, understood almost nothing in life. And, in essence, he was a rare bore.
The Irish diaspora around the world celebrates in March. And the Chicago River in the USA is traditionally painted green.
6. Paris
France, duration - 1 day
In a city where lesbian marches take place every day in defense of the lemmings of air traffic controllers against natural rent, the Maslenitsa carnival can simply be missed. The most reliable sign is the cows walking ahead of the procession. This is a medieval tradition, the meaning of which Parisians have managed to forget. Perhaps French farmers of the 11th century were protesting against the EU subsidy policy in this way?
7. Nice
France, duration - 2 weeks
Everything is glamorous to the last imaginable limit: the election of the queen, torchlight processions and “flower battles”. In order to participate in this lovely holiday for your own people, you have to pay money. Bakhtin's theory of carnival laughter culture does not apply to Nice: wealthy people, in a fit of carelessness, are ready to forget about anything, just not about how wealthy they are.
8. Basel
Switzerland, duration - 3 days
To plunge recklessly into the abyss of riotous Swiss fun, you need nothing more than to distinguish Waggis from Guggemusig and Schnitzelbang, be able to play the flute, speak the local dialect and be a fourth-generation Baselian. All others can act as slightly puzzled spectators (which does not prevent them from giggling cheerfully in the right places). However, you can take on the role of an “einzelmaske” - a lone participant hanging around the streets and pestering passers-by. This is not difficult: against the background of naive, gullible and positive Basel residents, any Russian tourist looks a little Einzelmaske, and at any time of the year.
9. Madrid
Spain, duration - week
Madrid is similar to Moscow not only with its totalitarian 50s towers and late bedtimes. In the eyes of our compatriots, the main charm of the Spanish carnival is that from 1940 to 1980 it was banned as fun that contradicted the high goals of strengthening the principles of statehood and law and order. Fortunately, there are now cloudless skies over Spain, mummers' processions and fireworks.
10. New Orleans
USA, duration - 1 day
The French-speaking settlers of Louisiana brought to the New World not only the habit of recklessly sticking out all week before Lent, but also the French name for Maslenitsa - Mardi Gras, which is now firmly associated with one of the best carnivals in the world. And then they added classic New Orleans jazz to it all. It turned out so organically that jazzmen from Louisiana became indispensable participants in one of the oldest European carnivals - the Parisian one. However, they also play very well at home.
Sources:
1. GQ Magazine, 2004/2
2. www.gooddays.ru/post/73582
3. https://wikipedia.org
4. www.braziltur.ru/brazil-karnaval.html
Photo sources:
commons.wikimedia.org, flickr.com, pixabay.com
