Carnivals have an important role in societies, because through masks and performances, teach the history and cultural traditions of the people and place in which they arise and at the same time, for the opportunity that they provide to people to release tensions, leave the everyday world, become someone else (Mauldin, 2004). As part of the Iowa City Carnival and Public Engagement Arts Project, this research arises from the interest to educate teachers, students, and the general public about public arts events, and the art involved in carnivals and parades. The purpose of this particular study is to find similarities between carnival traditions and Iowa parades. The information could be used to create the first webpage dedicated to carnivals across the world and linking the tradition to Iowa. Through a literature review, both in books and on websites, an analysis of two documentaries, and organization of information, I researched the history of Carnivals and focusing particularly on two of the biggest carnivals held today, which still reflect influences of medieval times: the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro and the Trinidad Carnival. I compared Carnival traditions with parades held in the state of Iowa. The literature review inspired me to create a painting which will be used as a tool for educating Iowans on these cultural practices. Carnivals are an essential part of cultures and an important celebration of cultural diversity in different communities even here, in the state of Iowa