Carnival around the world
The best festivals for international students
Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | March 5, 2025
Imagine stepping out of your student apartment and finding yourself in a completely different world—streets overflowing with music, people dressed in dazzling costumes, confetti flying through the air, and an electrifying energy that pulls you in. This isn’t just another night out; it’s Carnival, a tradition so powerful that for a few days, entire cities forget about work, stress, and deadlines, embracing pure celebration.
Now, picture yourself experiencing this not as a tourist, but as a student living abroad. No guidebooks, no rush—just you, blending in with the locals, soaking in centuries-old traditions, and making memories that will outlive your study abroad experience. Whether you’re dancing samba in Rio, getting lost in the magic of Venice, or catching beads at Mardi Gras, Carnival is your ultimate excuse to step out of the classroom and into the heart of your host country’s culture.
So, where should you go to experience the world’s best Carnival celebrations as an international student? Let’s take a trip through the wildest, most unforgettable festivals around the globe! 🎭🎉
The best carnival destinations for students abroad
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷
If you’re studying in Brazil, missing Carnival in Rio is like skipping Christmas in New York—unthinkable. This isn’t just a festival; it’s one of the biggest shows on Earth. Imagine the entire city turning into one massive dance floor, with unstoppable samba rhythms, sky-high feathered costumes, and millions of people losing themselves in the music.
The energy is contagious—whether you’re watching the legendary Sambadrome parade, joining a street party (bloco), or just dancing with strangers under the neon glow of the city, Rio’s Carnival pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. Pick a bloco, grab a caipirinha, and let the rhythm guide you. You won’t regret it. 🎭🔥
2. Venice, Italy 🇮🇹
If Rio is all about chaos and energy, Venice is about mystery and elegance. Studying in Italy? Then you can’t miss the Venice Carnival, where the past and present blend into something truly magical. Picture yourself wandering through foggy canals, surrounded by people in intricately crafted masks and lavish period costumes, as if the city itself has traveled back in time.
Here, it’s not about wild street parties—it’s about stepping into a living, breathing Renaissance painting. From grand masquerade balls in ancient palaces to spontaneous performances in St. Mark’s Square, Venice transforms into a dreamlike spectacle.
Pro tip: If you really want to feel like a Venetian noble from the 18th century, get a traditional bauta mask and join the mystery. No one will know who you are… and that’s half the fun. 🎭✨
3. Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
Germany and Carnival? It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) is absolute madness—and in the best way possible. Locals call it the “fifth season”, and for a full week, the city turns into a giant playground where seriousness is strictly forbidden.
Expect outrageous costumes, massive parades, and bars overflowing with people singing, dancing, and shouting “Kölle Alaaf!” (the city’s signature Carnival cheer). It’s the perfect mix of organized chaos and spontaneous fun, and universities here fully embrace the tradition—so you won’t have to search long for a student party.
Pro tip: Dress up, learn a few Carnival songs, and don’t be shy—Cologne’s spirit is all about letting loose and making friends (even if you don’t speak a word of German). 🍻🎭
4. Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸
If you think Carnival is only big in South America, Tenerife is here to prove you wrong. Welcome to Europe’s most over-the-top, non-stop, sun-soaked Carnival—a wild fusion of Rio-style parades and Spanish fiesta energy. If you’re studying in Spain, this is THE place to be in February.
Imagine gigantic floats rolling through the streets, dancers covered in feathers and sequins moving to Latin beats, and the entire island turning into an open-air party that lasts for weeks. The Queen’s Gala kicks off the madness, and from that moment on, it’s an unstoppable wave of music, color, and pure fun.
Pro tip: Don’t just watch—join in. The best part of Tenerife’s Carnival is the street parties (fiestas de calle) where everyone, from locals to international students, dances together until sunrise. If you want the full experience, grab a costume, blend in, and let the island spirit take over. 🎭🌴
5. New Orleans, USA (Mardi Gras) 🇺🇸
Forget everything you thought you knew about Carnival—Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a world of its own. If you’re studying in the U.S., this is THE festival you can’t miss. It’s a wild mix of French, Spanish, and Creole traditions, blended with that unmistakable American “go big or go home” attitude.
Picture massive floats rolling down Bourbon Street, beads flying through the air, people in vibrant costumes dancing to live jazz, and the scent of Cajun food filling the streets. The entire city turns into a celebration, where the motto is simple: “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll)!
Pro tip: Shout for beads at the parades, hit the French Quarter for street parties, and whatever you do, try a King Cake—it’s a Mardi Gras must.🎷🎭
6. Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Forget flashy parades and samba beats—Basel Carnival (Basler Fasnacht) is on a whole different level. This isn’t just a festival; it’s an art form, a theatrical spectacle that transforms the city into something out of a dream… or maybe a surreal painting.
It all begins in complete darkness at 4 AM with the “Morgestraich”—streetlights go out, and thousands of masked musicians with lanterns flood the streets, playing haunting melodies that echo through the old town. No confetti storms or wild street parties—here, the magic is in the atmosphere. Over the next three days, the city is alive with intricate costumes, satirical performances, and a sense of tradition that runs deep.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a Carnival that’s mysterious, artistic, and unlike anything else in the world, Basel is where you need to be. Just don’t call it a party—locals take Fasnacht seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. 🎭🕯️
How to make the most of carnival as a student abroad
- Stop waiting for the “right moment”—just go: Don’t have a group? Who cares! Carnival is the ultimate social icebreaker. Throw yourself into the chaos, and you’ll come out with stories (and probably new friends).
- Find your tribe: Universities, Erasmus groups, and local student networks often organize trips or events. Get in on them—you’ll thank yourself later.
- Budget smart: Some Carnivals (like Venice) can drain your wallet faster than a weekend in Ibiza, so plan ahead if you don’t want to end up eating instant noodles for the rest of the month.
- Don’t just be a spectator—immerse yourself: Whether it’s wearing a mask in Venice, catching beads at Mardi Gras, or dancing in the streets of Rio, commit. The more you put in, the more unforgettable it becomes.
More than an academic adventure!
Studying abroad isn’t just about lectures and assignments. It’s about chasing experiences you never saw coming, stepping into worlds you never imagined, and saying yes to moments that turn into stories you’ll be telling for years.
And Carnival? That’s the ultimate way to do it. No matter where you are, there’s probably a wild, colorful celebration just waiting for you to dive in. So, grab a mask, lose yourself in the rhythm, and let the chaos take over—because these are the moments that make your time abroad unforgettable.
At wearefreemovers, we don’t just talk about studying abroad—we talk about living it. Ever celebrated Carnival while studying in another country? Tell us your story—we want all the crazy details! 🎭🔥
