The biggest carnivals in the world

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.

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. 

An array of five-star hotels hold real estate in this historical city. The Gritti Palace is located in a prime location across from the stunning Salute Church, while tucked away behind the Salute lies Ca Maria Adele, with its own entrance and five Venetian-Gothic-styled rooms. Other opulent hotels include Hotel Danieli, Aman Venice and The St. Regis, Venice.

Fly by private jet to the Venice Carnival

Want to hire a private jet to Venice? Call one of our dedicated account managers to begin your journey. We can help plan your charter from start to finish. From chauffeured pick-up to exclusive transfer to your hotel, we’ll ensure your charter experience is as luxurious and comfortable as possible.

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. 

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.

There are, of course, more lavish hotels that call this coast home, including the Miramar Hotel by Windsor, Vila Santa Teresa, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro and Emiliano Rio.

Fly by private jet to Rio Carnival

Want to hire a private jet to Rio de Janeiro? Call one of our dedicated account managers to begin your journey. We can help plan your charter from start to finish. From chauffeured pick-up to exclusive transfer to your hotel, we’ll ensure your charter experience is as luxurious and comfortable as possible.

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 bead necklaces and eclectic celebrations. 

A tradition leftover from the French colonial days, 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 has a great choice of lavish hotels that match their historical surroundings. The Roosevelt New Orleans is one of the city’s oldest and most impressive places to stay. The interior boasts gloriously grand architecture that harks back to its 100-year-old origins. The property is now part of the fabric of New Orleans life and features some of the best destination dining the city has to offer.

Other first-class hotels that pay homage to French colonial times include Soniat House and Royal Sonesta – a high-end New Orleans experience in the heart of Bourbon Street. Of course, big names like the Ritz-Carlton also lay claim to the centre of this city.

Fly by private jet to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Thinking about flying via private jet for Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Talk to one of our dedicated account managers who can plan your whole itinerary for you. From chauffeured-driven pick-up to themed cuisine on your flight, your luxury experience is taken care of. 

Carnival of Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain

What is the Carnival of Santa Cruz in 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, 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.

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 of these hotels. 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 even private pools. 

For a more boutique experience, the Royal Garden Villas & 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

This classic getaway destination welcomes thousands of private jets every year and is highly accommodating to luxury travellers. Talk to one of our dedicated account managers to plan your private charter for the Carnival of Santa Cruz in Tenerife.

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

What is Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant and exciting celebration that is the best Caribbean carnival in the world. Held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday every year, the beautiful island’s capital of Port of Spain comes alive with colourful costumed band parades, rum-soaked parties and steel-drum Caribbean music. The carnival celebrations are so popular, they have been replicated all over the world, including at the Notting Hill Carnival in London.

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, The Villas at Stonehaven are wonderfully situated on a practically pristine Caribbean island away from it all. This is the perfect place to enjoy comfortable luxury, especially in one of its large 14 villas that reside here. Other top luxury hotels here include Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, and the Blue Water Inn.

Fly by private jet to Trinidad and Tobago

The Caribbean is one of the few places in the world where island hopping is not only possible, but encouraged. Private jet is the 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 for Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond, talk to one of our dedicated account managers.

If you would like to find out more about how we can tailor your private jet charter, please speak to our team. 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.