Last Updated on February 6, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
Mardi Gras has become a worldwide phenomenon, with celebrations taking place in cities around the globe.
But where is Mardi Gras celebrated in the world?
Don’t worry because our team will lead you to some of the most popular places to celebrate this time-honored tradition.
So come along with us and take a journey around the world for an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience.
7 Places That Celebrate Mardi Gras
1. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, is one of the most famous cities in the world for celebrating Mardi Gras.
The city is well-known for its lively celebrations, which pump the streets with an energy and enthusiasm that cannot be found anywhere else.
“Style is when they’re running you out of town and you make it look like you’re leading the parade.”
– William Battie, English Physician
Every year on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the city is filled with parades, costumed revelers, and street performers, who all come together to celebrate and honor the traditional Mardi Gras festivities.
Although the holiday is rooted in Catholicism [1], the celebration is open to everyone, and it is a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate.
The festivities in New Orleans are some of the most extravagant in the world, with King and Queen of Mardi Gras parades, massive floats, and plenty of food, music, and dancing.
Read: Does The Post Office Work On Mardi Gras Day?
2. Nice, France
For centuries, the city of Nice has been the epicenter of Carnival celebrations in the country since 1294.
And of the special event they celebrate is Mardi Gras, which draws thousands of revelers worldwide each year.
It is celebrated in the same fashion, with grand parades, elaborate costumes, and fantastic music, dance, and acrobatics displays.
On top of that, they include the Battle of Flowers, which dates back to 1876 and is one of the long-standing parades in Nice, France.
Hence, they didn’t just create a standard, generic Mardi Gras party; they gave it a unique spin to attract tourists and draw attention to their culture.
But when exactly does Shreveport host its Mardi Gras parade?
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its vibrant celebrations, including parades, music, dancing, and feasting.
The most popular event is the Rio Carnival, one of the world’s largest street parties.
During the Rio Carnival, there are also various other events, such as the Samba Parade, King Momo’s Ball, and the Bloco Parties.
But the parade floats are the event’s highlight, and they often feature themes reflecting Brazil’s culture and history.
These festivities create a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike. Check out the things you should avoid doing during the Mardi Gras float parade here.
4. Orlando, Florida
Mardi Gras in Orlando is an exciting time of year that brings together people from all backgrounds.
It includes kid-friendly activities such as face painting, bouncy houses, and carnival rides.
And during the seven-week party, the Mardi Gras parade can be seen every night at Universal Studios in Florida.
It is filled with live music and parades and offers a range of Cajun and Creole dishes typical of the Mardi Gras celebration.
Read: When Does The Mardi Gras Parade Begin At Universal Studios?
5. Venice, Italy
The Venice Mardi Gras celebration is one of the oldest and most well-known in the world. It has been celebrated in the same way for centuries.
During the festival, people take to the streets of Venice in elaborate costumes and masks, as well as floats and other decorations.
These colorful parades and parties often culminate in the Venice Carnival Ball, a grand event with music, dancing, and feasting.
The celebration includes various other activities, such as concerts, theatrical performances, and fireworks displays.
Despite the changing times, the Venice Mardi Gras celebration remains an important part of the city’s culture and is celebrated every year with great excitement and enthusiasm.
6. Sydney, Australia
The Mardi Gras celebration in Sydney was held in the 1970s as a protest march for gay rights [2] and acceptance.
Since then, it has grown into an internationally recognized event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the rights they have won since March was first held.
As the parade winds through the streets of Sydney, it is accompanied by vibrant music and dancing.
Along the parade route, onlookers cheer and celebrate the success of the LGBTQ+ community. The event includes various other activities, such as parties, concerts, and drag shows.
Read: What Type Of Music Is Performed During Mardi Gras?
7. Binche, Belgium
The Binche Carnival has been celebrated for centuries, and UNESCO recognizes it as one of the representatives of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The festival is held in the city’s streets and includes the ‘Gilles’ – a group of men dressed in colorful costumes and adorned with feathers, bells, and lanterns – who parade through the city accompanied by music and dancers.
Plus, it symbolizes Binche’s Carnival traditions, while their costumes and masks represent the town’s rich cultural heritage.
During the festivities, the ‘Gilles’ perform a variety of traditional dances and songs while fireworks light up the night sky.
Also Read: When Does Galveston Have Its Mardi Gras Parade?
FAQs
What do people in other countries call Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is known worldwide by many names, including Carnival or Carnevale in Italian.
When is the best time to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
The best time to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans is from February to early March, when parades, parties, and other festivities are in full swing.
And the two peak weeks are the two weeks before Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent.
Check out the date and time of the Mardi Gras Parade in St. Louis here.
Wrapping Up
There you have it.
Fat Tuesday, or what is popularly known as Mardi Gras, is celebrated worldwide in many different ways, but with the same goal of having fun, celebrating, and indulging.
From the streets of New Orleans to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the holiday is a time to let out your groove, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
References:
- https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/religion-spirituality/christianity/catholicism/basic-beliefs-of-catholicism
- https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/history-of-gay-rights
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