Carnival is a joyous occasion filled with laughter, music, and color, but it’s also a time of food! Big, bold, flavorful food. Around the world, Carnival marks the last chance to indulge before Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection in many Christian traditions. So it’s no surprise that the foods of Carnival are rich, sweet, and meant to be enjoyed in abundance.
In Brazil, Carnival is celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, and the street food scene is just as lively as the parades. You’ll find feijoada, a hearty black bean stew with pork, traditionally served on weekends but especially popular during Carnival gatherings. Another must-try is Pão de queijo. These chewy, cheesy bread rolls are impossible to eat just one of. Vendors also serve skewers of grilled meat (churrasco) and colorful caipirinhas, Brazil’s signature lime-and-cachaça cocktail.
In Italy, Carnival (or Carnevale) brings a mix of regional sweets, many of them fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Chiacchiere (also called frappe or bugie depending on the region) are thin, crispy ribbons of dough fried to golden perfection. Venetians enjoy frittelle, round doughnuts filled with cream or raisins. These treats are traditionally made to use up rich ingredients like butter and eggs before Lent begins. Italians embrace this moment to enjoy food with family, often accompanied by masked balls and local parades.
Over in New Orleans, the famous Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) celebrates with flavors as bold as the festivities. The star dish is the King Cake, a cinnamon-filled pastry ring, decorated in purple, green, and gold sugar. Hidden inside is a tiny plastic baby; whoever finds it has to host the next party. Other local favorites include jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets—deep-fried dough pillows coated in powdered sugar. Yum!
What ties all these celebrations together is the idea of indulgence before restraint. Carnival foods are meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated. Whether you’re dancing in the streets of Rio, strolling through Venice in a mask, or catching beads in New Orleans, make time to try the food. It’s a delicious way to experience the culture.
So bring your appetite—and maybe a stretchy waistband. Carnival only comes once a year, and its flavors are just too good to miss.
