Pre-Lenten season is Venezuela's most colorful period, which claims to outshine even such great feasts as Christmas or Easter. For seven days before Ash Wednesday, locals throw exuberant carnivals across smaller and bigger towns. Some of the most impressive festivities take place in the small mining town of El Callao and the port city of Carúpano.
El Callao Carnival
Visit the four-day El Callao Carnival for a one-of-a-kind experience. Being country's largest carnival, it fuses various traditions, including those of Venezuela, Trinidad, the West Indies, and the French Antilles. The highlight of a week-long celebration is a town's parade. You'll see the streets of El Callao flood with dancing madamas in vibrant African headscarves and robes. Other iconic characters feature medio-pintos, wearing black body paint, and devils, which are supposed to maintain order during the whole extravaganza.
Carúpano Carnival
Alternatively, you can check out Carúpano Carnival, which is also one of the most fabulous Venezuelan festivals, drawing 400,000 partygoers. The bash starts before Shrove Tuesday with a mass street party, the so-called "Carnival cry," which spreads throughout the city. The merriments incorporate a vivid annual parade with decorated floats, salsa music, and gallons of rum. The final night culminates with a stunning firework display.
