February = It’s Carnival Time! Myra Rudin

The month of February (or early March) gives rise to many Carnivals around the world celebrating the days prior to Lent and leading up to Easter. I’ve recently resurrected some slides that I’d forgotten about, from Carnivals in three different cities that I was lucky to witness: New Orleans, Trinidad, and Venice. I did not travel specifically to see these events but for some reason found myself there at the right time and was able to capture photos of some of the traditional festivities associated with each venue. (Photos from old slides don’t produce the best quality, but it was nice to look back...).

While each celebration is similar in theme, the activities vary quite a bit depending on the region’s own history, religion, tradition and culture.

NEW ORLEANS (Louisiana)

This Carnival, or Mardi Gras, is mostly centered on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter or St. Charles Avenue, noted for its beautiful old homes. Parades and floats with partygoers march along with plenty of jazz music while colorful beaded necklaces and candy are thrown to viewers on the street.

 

A mannequin viewer

TRINIDAD (and Tobago)

Carnival on the island of Trinidad is popular for its steel drums and calypso music. There’s dancing in the streets, colorful floats and different musical bands with followers wearing unique and tropical costumes. It’s said that Trinidad has the largest and most elaborate Carnival in the Caribbean.

VENICE (Italy)

Venice’s Carnevale is famous for its elegant, detailed costumes and elaborate masks. The dancing here is not done in the streets but in fancy parties and balls where guests arrive decked out in majestic attire. There’s a contest for most beautiful mask, with international judges deciding on the winner. The beauty of the costumes against this equally beautiful city really makes this event sparkle!