Every year, as winter fades, a wave of color, music, and mystery takes over cities around the world, from the samba-driven energy of Rio de Janeiro to the whispered secrets behind Venetian masks. Imagine yourself amidst the throngs of revelers in Brazil, where the beat of samba drums pulses through the air, or wandering the romantic canals of Venice, cloaked in an elegant mask.
Carnival is more than a festival—it’s a burst of freedom before Lent, a tradition as old as time, celebrated uniquely in every culture. How much do you know about this magical celebration? Dive into these 35 Carnival trivia questions and answers, and uncover the hidden stories and vibrant traditions that make Carnival a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Perfect for a Carnival-themed quiz, this journey through trivia will transport you to the heart of one of the world’s most exciting festivals!
1. In which country is the most famous Carnival celebration held?
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
2. What is the official language of the Rio Carnival?
Portuguese
3. What year did the first recorded Carnival in Venice take place?
1162
4. What traditional dance is often associated with Rio’s Carnival?
Samba
5. What type of mask is iconic in Venice’s Carnival?
The Bauta mask
6. Which month is Carnival typically celebrated in Brazil?
February
7. What is the purpose of wearing masks during Carnival in Venice?
To allow anonymity and break social class boundaries
8. Which Caribbean island is known for its colorful Carnival with calypso music?
Trinidad and Tobago
9. What is the primary instrument used in Samba music?
Drums
10. In which European country is Carnival also known as “Fasnacht”?
Switzerland
11. What is the traditional attire of women in Rio’s Carnival parades?
Feathered costumes
12. What does the word “Carnival” originate from?
The Latin phrase “carne vale,” meaning “farewell to meat”
13. Which French city is famous for its flower-filled Carnival parade?
Nice
14. What is the name of the parade groups that perform in Rio’s Carnival?
Samba schools
15. Which Carnival event is popular in New Orleans, USA?
Mardi Gras
16. Which South American city holds a unique Carnival featuring the “Diablada” dance?
Oruro, Bolivia
17. Which Carnival celebration includes a giant, elaborate puppet procession in Colombia?
Barranquilla Carnival
18. What is the name of the large wooden floats used during German Carnival parades?
Wagen
19. What name is given to the grand finale of Carnival in Venice?
Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday)
20. Which city is known as the “Carnival Capital of the World”?
Rio de Janeiro
21. What is the name of the Venetian Carnival mask covering only the eyes?
The Columbina mask
22. What is the main material used to make Carnival masks in Venice?
Paper mâché
23. Which U.S. city celebrates Carnival with “Krewe” parades?
New Orleans
24. What type of instrument is central to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival music?
Steel drum
25. In Brazil, what is Carnival traditionally celebrated as a preparation for?
Lent
26. Which African country’s Carnival features traditional dance and masquerade?
Nigeria
27. Which element is essential in costumes for Rio’s Carnival parades?
Feathers
28. What day marks the end of Carnival season worldwide?
Fat Tuesday
29. In Venice, what is the famous venue for Carnival’s grand celebrations?
St. Mark’s Square
30. Which dance festival takes place during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro?
The Samba Parade
31. Which Carnival tradition is common in the Netherlands and Belgium?
Fasting before Lent
32. In which country is the carnival celebration called “Karneval”?
Germany
33. What country’s carnival features a costume parade with dazzling sequins?
Brazil
34. Which country celebrates “Carnival Monday” with traditional street festivals?
Trinidad and Tobago
35. What is the name of the Greek version of Carnival?