Tired of snow, slush and grey skies? Think parties, parades, dancing and feasts instead. Lent is almost here, and for many people that means giving up a favourite food or entering into a period of fasting and abstinence. Traditionally, “Mardi Gras” or “Fat Tuesday” was a time to use up prohibited foods so they wouldn’t go to waste, but over the centuries it’s blossomed into the decadent celebrations we’re familiar with today.
There’s no one right way to celebrate Mardi Gras or Carnival (or Carnaval). Traditions and events vary by country, but colourful parades (or krewes), lavish parties, concerts, pageants and elaborate costumes aren’t hard to find — and neither is feasting and drinking.
If you’re looking for some festivity — or perhaps some inspiration for your own celebrations — here’s where to look.
The U.S.
If you’re thinking Mardi Gras, the French Quarter in New Orleans may be the first place that comes to mind. After all, the city’s parties, parades and Cajun flare are legendary. Celebrations are getting back into full swing after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and some events still raise funds for relief efforts.
However, it’s Mobile, Alabama that claims to be the first place in the U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras — way back in 1703. Today, the celebrations are geared more towards family fun than other carnivals, and aim to be an event for all ages.
Many other cities through the U.S. also get in on the act, such as San Diego’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Cajun Mardi Gras in Lafayette and Mardi Gras! Galveston in Texas. Carnaval Miami, lasting two weeks starting the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, is known as the biggest Hispanic festival in the U.S. Events include a golf tournament, a cooking competition and a grand finale street party.
Even cities you wouldn’t expect — like Seattle, Chicago and Philadelphia — have events. Readers tell us St. Louis puts on quite a show too!
The Caribbean
Why not time that winter getaway to enjoy more than the beach? Many of these island nations celebrate Carnival, including the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the French West Indies and the Virgin Islands (to name a few). Here you’ll find a mix of influences from Dutch, Spanish, French and English traditions combined with the music and culture you’d expect from the Caribbean, like steel drum bands.
Not sure where to look? According to experts, two of the best-known carnivals are in Aruba and Trinidad. In Aruba, the season starts in January with “warm-up” events like the Torch Parade. Daily events start in February, including the election of Mrs. Carnaval and the children’s parades. Carnival Monday, an official holiday, is the only break in the season and the day of rest comes just before the Grand Evening Parade. (See VisitAruba.com for the full schedule.)
