Where Is Mardi Gras Celebrated In The World? Solved

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Dazzling masks, music that made me want to dance, and lots of bright colors —my first Mardi Gras experience was nothing short of magical.

As I danced down the streets, feathers in my hair and joy in every step, I was enveloped in a world where everyone was having fun like there was no tomorrow.

But Mardi Gras isn’t only in one place – it happens in different parts of the world. So, where is Mardi Gras celebrated in the world?

Today, I’ll share the list of stunning locations where you may experience the Mardi Gras celebration.

10 Places That Celebrate Mardi Gras

1. Trinidad & Tobago

The Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago host a spectacular Carnival season starting just after Christmas. 

The festivities include calypso, soca, steel pan drum performances, and lively parties. Carnival is a two-day extravaganza featuring the predawn street party known as J’Ouvert. 

Revelers cover themselves in paint, chocolate, mud, or oil. Tuesday brings the grand parade, where costumed bands in sequined bikinis and feather headdresses flood the streets, competing for the Masquerade Band of the Year title.

2. Netherlands

Mardi Gras is predominantly celebrated in the Netherlands in the southern region, particularly in North Brabant (Noord-Brabant), bordering Belgium. 

Major Dutch cities like Eindhoven, Breda, Tilburg, and ‘s-Hertogenbosch come alive with colorful parades and street parties. 

The Carnival spirit spreads to most major cities in southern Holland, creating a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, and revelry.

3. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a rich tradition dating back to the 13th century known as Masopust or Slavic Carnival. 

While major cities like Prague have more mainstream celebrations with period balls and concerts, villages in the Hlinecko Region preserve more traditional customs. 

On Fat Tuesday, masked men go door to door performing traditional acts in exchange for food and drinks. 

A unique parade features a character in a spotted costume, with the number of spots determining the wearer’s future happiness. 

The parade concludes with a symbolic sacrifice and resurrection performance, symbolizing a mare.

4. 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 the 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?

5. Nice, France 

For centuries, the city of Nice has been the epicenter of Carnival celebrations in the country since 1294. 

And of the special events they celebrate is Mardi Gras, which draws thousands of revelers worldwide each year. 

It is celebrated similarly, 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?

6. 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. 

“Mardi Gras isn’t just a location; it’s a state of mind celebrated wherever hearts beat to the rhythm of revelry.”

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But the parade floats are the event’s highlight, often featuring 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.

7. Orlando, Florida

Mardi Gras in Orlando is an exciting time of year that brings together people from all backgrounds. 

It includes kid-friendly activities like 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?

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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

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: 

1. https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/religion-spirituality/christianity/catholicism/basic-beliefs-of-catholicism

2. https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/history-of-gay-rights