Before one deprives himself for the greater good of the community during Lent, a party must commence. The name of this party is Mardi Gras. Translated, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and is meant to be the final celebration before Lent. While most people in the United States recognize New Orleans, La. as the place to celebrate — attracting more than 1.4 million people each year — it is far from the only carnival worth traveling for. Read on for a look at Mardi Gras celebrations around the globe, including family-friendly options that are annually enjoyed by revelers of all ages.
Mobile, Ala.
While New Orleans gets all the glory in the United States and is thought of first as the “go-to” celebration of Mardi Gras, Mobile, Ala., earns the title of the oldest Mari Gras celebration in the country. It is considered a city-wide holiday, with dozens of parades and black-tie balls and entertains 1 million people every year.
Rio De Janeiro
Mardi Gras is known as Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and lasts officially for five days and unofficially for weeks. The city, in fact, is known as “Carnival capital of the world,” and the celebration brings in more than half a million people from outside of Brazil each year. Rio has gained international attention, especially from its hosting of the 2016 Summer Olympics, which helped promote the city’s natural beauty to the global masses.
Nice, France
The Mardi Gras celebration in Nice lasts 15 days. Why not, with the moderate temperatures during the winter months, provided by its location in the French Riviera? The don’t-miss feature of this celebration is the Battle of the Flowers. During the parades throughout the festival, performers toss thousands of flowers into the crowds, totaling more than 100,000 by the end of the celebration.