Lots of places celebrate Fat Tuesday; some with decadence (hello, Sydney), excess (hello, Rio) and bead-throwing (hello, New Orleans). Even your own hometown probably does something to celebrate Mardi Gras. But the following destinations really focus on this special time of year — they are where the eyes of the world should be come Mardi Gras, and they’re the best places to find yourself this February 12.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In a coincidence of epic proportions, this year New Orleans will host both their annual Mardi Gras celebration as well as the Super Bowl to create “Super Gras,” or in other words, the craziest party of your life. You may have missed some of the action already, since some events were pushed up due to the Super Bowl on February 3. But star-studded favorites like the Bacchus and Orpheus Parades are scheduled for the Sunday and Monday, respectively, the week after before Fat Tuesday.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
From February 8-12, a half-million visitors and virtually all the locals come together in the “Carnival Capital” for the sole purpose of dancing, drinking, and debauchery. Samba schools in the area prepare a full year in advance for the biggest event of all, the Samba Parade, by building elaborate floats and choreographing spectacular presentations for the judges. However, your job as a spectator is simple: try your hardest to keep up with the locals by staying up all night on the three days prior to the big day and going to all the street parties and balls.
Venice, Italy
Play dress up at Carnevale di Venezia where exhibitions, parades, balls, and concerts are everywhere in the city from the end of January to February 14. Venice’s winding canals and over the top architecture make the perfect backdrop for this masquerade holiday, where Venetians dress in gorgeous costumes and bejeweled masks.
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Introduced by French Catholic plantation owners who settled in the area in the 18th century, the indentured people on this Caribbean island ultimately embraced Carnival as a form of liberation. Since then, the celebration has evolved to more of non-stop partying and has added a King and Queen competition on Fat Sunday (this year February 10) where organized groups present their choices who dance across a stage in feathered costumes, often incorporating sophisticated technology into their designs.
Québec City, Canada
What started as a tradition brought to the New World by the French turned into the world’s largest winter carnival here where winter is embraced. In stark contrast to the bare navels of Rio participants, the Québecois mark the start of Lent with snow sculptures, outdoor spas and ice slides. Look out for Bonhomme, the celebration’s official mascot, a snowman wearing a red arrowhead sash just as the Amerindians did. He’s so revered that he’s even got his own ice palace, an annual two-month long project to build and orchestrated by workers at the Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale.