Mardi Gras and Carnival bring people together worldwide with their lively parades, dazzling costumes, bursts of colors. These festive celebrations go beyond cultural borders, uniting folks in a shared passion for fun, music, and heritage. Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" in English, signals the final day before the Lenten season when many Christians traditionally observe fasting or give up certain luxuries leading up to Easter. The name originates from the feasting on this ultimate day of indulgence. Nowadays, the festivities often extend for days or even weeks, featuring parades, dancing, music, and delicious food.  

Below are some of our favorite celebrations from around the world. 

New Orleans, USA: The Heartbeat of Mardi Gras 

March .4, 2025 

New Orleans  really knows how to throw a party, especially when it comes to Mardi Gras! For a whopping two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the French Quarter transforms into a lively spectacle of parades with energetic brass bands, dazzling floats, and people tossing beads everywhere. The whole place is buzzing with excitement! You can practically taste the Cajun delights in the air while jazz music fills the streets. 

Social clubs, or krewes, are the masterminds behind the parades, complete with floats and performers. The grandest and most over-the-top parades typically happen in the final five days of Mardi Gras. If you happen to be in the Big Easy during this time, you're in for a treat! Expect to come home with a haul of traditional throws like beads, doubloons, and more, often in the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, symbolizing justice, faith, and power. 

Mardi Gras  in New Orleans isn't just a celebration; it's a spirited extravaganza that perfectly captures the essence of Southern hospitality and good times! 

Venice, Italy: The Elegance of Carnevale 

Feb 15, 2025 – Feb 25, 2025

The Carnival of Venice, known as Carnevale di Venezia, is one of the most famous carnivals globally, held in the heart of Venice. It exudes sophistication and elegance, with people donning intricate costumes and masks as they wander along the canals and historic squares. The festivities feature extravagant masquerade balls, captivating performances, and an air of mystery. 

Originating in the eleventh century, the carnival flourished for two months until the late 1700s when it was banned by Emperor Francis II of Austria. However, Italy revived it in 1979, and since then, it has been a lively celebration with feathers and elaborate masks. The carnival typically kicks off two weeks before Lent, culminating in the main masquerade event on Mardi Gras, the final day. Venice's Carnevale not only honors the city's rich history but also embodies the enduring charm of timeless elegance. For a tour of the hidden charms of the city click Venice .

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Samba Spectacle 

Feb 21, 2025 – Feb 25, 2025

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, the world's largest festival, surpasses even the iconic Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Boasting around two million attendees annually, this Brazilian extravaganza is a vibrant spectacle of color, glitter, and glamour. The festivities kick off with lively street parties organized by locals, building up to the grand finale: the Samba Parade. Here, locals in over-the-top costumes dance alongside elaborately decorated floats, all set to the infectious beats of samba.  

The city transforms into a pulsating sea of feathers, sequins, and vibrant floats, creating an unparalleled celebration of life. Sticking around for a few day? Click Rio for a complete 4 day itinerary. 

Nice, France: The French Riviera 

February 12, 2025- March 2, 2025

Nice's “Carnaval de Nice” is a vibrant blend of French sophistication and carnival excitement, bringing the French Riviera to life. Dating back to 1294, the carnival has evolved over the years from prominent residents of Nice parading before the king to the current litany of parades attended by more than a million visitors each year. The Light Parades include processions of dancing artists and puppets illuminated by a dazzling light show.  The Flower Parades showcase floats, adorned with flowers petals from the region's best produce, where people on top of the floats toss fresh flowers to the crowds below. The Nice Carnaval is a lively celebration of art, creativity, and the unique French joy of living. 

Binche, Belgium: Uniformity and Orange-Tossing Festivities 

March 02, 2025 - March 04, 2025 

Binche, much like the lively Carnival of Venice, is a celebration brimming with people donning masks. However, there's a unique twist—unlike the diverse disguises in the Italian celebration, everyone in Binche wears the same outfit. Men decked out in quirky orange and red costumes, along with clogs and whimsical masks, fill the medieval streets. They dance to the beat of drums as they parade through the city. Women's costumes at the Binche Carnival are diverse but typically include traditional folk elements and creative, colorful designs. These may feature lace and intricate embroidery, elaborate headdresses, bright colors, and occasional use of masks. 

These festive participants, known as Gilles for the day, add an extra layer of excitement by tossing oranges to onlookers on both sides of the procession. Catching or being hit by one is believed to bring good luck. Just remember, if you happen to catch an orange, it's all in good fun – throwing it back is considered an insult! 

Don’t forget to visit Ellipsis Travel for more information or help with organizing and planning a trip to one of these amazing festivals!