February 12

Carnival Monday

Dance into the Carnival spirit! On Carnival Monday, let yourself loose, embrace the vibrant spirit, and get ready for the fun rollercoaster ride!

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Day

Introduction

Get your dancing shoes on for an exhilarating celebration on Carnival Monday, which falls on February 12! This is the day when the entire world gets drenched in a wave of music and colors, embodying the true spirit of revelry and merriment. The carnival tradition dates back to ancient Rome as a form of public feast that has evolved into a grand spectacle of parades, music, dance, and extravagant costumes. Though the festivities may vary from country to country, the essence remains the same - to shed inhibitions, embrace unity and simply let loose. So, put on your best attire, dive into the rhythm, and get ready to experience one of the most vibrant festivals the world has to offer!

Carnival Monday Timeline

1800s

Carnival in Trinidad

During the late 18th century, the mixing of French planters and African slaves in Trinidad led to the development of the Trinidad Carnival, one of the most famous carnivals worldwide.

1837

First Rio Carnival

The first documented Rio Carnival in Brazil, now renowned as one of the world's largest carnival celebrations, took place in 1837, featuring horse-drawn floats.

1870s

Evolving Rio Parade

In the late 19th century, Rio Carnival's parade started to evolve, becoming a competition between clubs known as "ranchos" and introducing samba school-style parades.

1951

Carnival in New Orleans

New Orleans began its Mardi Gras celebrations in 1837, but it wasn't until 1857 that the first parade, conducted by the "Mystic Krewe of Comus," was held, giving birth to the traditions of today's Carnival Monday celebrations.

1960s

Carnival Moves to Sambadrome

In the 1960s, Brazil's exuberant Carnival parades moved from the streets to samba stadiums, or "Sambadromes," which were designed to host samba school parades during Carnival, elevating the scale of the celebrations.

How to Celebrate Carnival Monday

1 Host a costume party

Get into the spirit by hosting a costume party. Invite friends and family to dress in their carnival best, full of bright colors, glitter, feathers, and anything else they fancy. Organize a competition for the best costume to add some friendly rivalry into the mix.

2 Cook a traditional carnival meal

Carnival is celebrated globally, with each region having its own traditional dishes. Pick a location and create a meal inspired by their local Carnival cuisine. You could bake pastries for the Rio Carnival, prepare Jambalaya for Mardi Gras, or fry plantains for the Trinidad Carnival.

3 Gather for a Samba dance-off

Samba is the dance of choice at many carnivals worldwide. Arrange a get-together where everyone learns the basics from an online tutorial and then hold a samba dance-off.

4 Create your float for a home parade

If you can't attend the main events, bring them to your own home. Create your own miniature float using household items, and stage a mini parade with your friends or family, complete with music, dancing, and treats.

5 Plan a Brazilian bossa nova night

Carnival music brings the celebration to life. Consider hosting a bossa nova night at your place. It can be as simple as playing bossa nova records, sharing some easy dance steps, and sipping on caipirinhas, Brazil's national cocktail, reminiscing the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

Why We Love Carnival Monday

It's a global celebration of fun, music and unity

Carnival Monday is all about embracing the vibrant spirit. One can expect to be dazzled by the grand spectacle of parades, music, dance, and extravagant costumes that encapsulates the globe. It's a day when people come together to share in the joy of music, dance, and shared celebration.

An invitation to creativity and expression

Carnival is that time when we can shed inhibitions and let our creative spirits fly. Whether it's dressing up in the most colorful and creative costumes, or whipping up an exotic dish from a far-off land, Carnival invites us to express ourselves in whatever way feels most liberating and joyous.

It's about more than just fun: it's about heritage and tradition

With origins dating back to ancient Rome, Carnival has evolved over the centuries, journeying through time and touching numerous cultures along the way. Celebrating Carnival is not just frolicking in an extravagant party, it's also about recognizing and honoring the unique blend of histories, traditions, and cultures that make Carnival what it is today.