Mardi Gras Around The World

Mardi Gras parades may fill the streets of New Orleans, St. Louis and Mobile, Ala.,on Feb. 9, but that is nothing compared to what Carnival will look like in the party cities of Brazil, France and Australia.

Stateside, New Orleans is known as the go-to party city for the Mardi Gras holiday, but in Rio de Janeiro, the party goes on for five days, Feb. 5–10. This epic celebration is known as Carnival, and Brazil knows how party. With typically 2 million people in attendance, incredible costumes on display, amazing music and parades, it is clear how Rio earned its unofficial title as the Carnival Capital of the World.

Nice, France, has been celebrating Carnival since 1294, and the party has only gotten better with age. Thousands of performers, artists and musicians flood the streets to party, play and throw flowers at the audience. There is a different theme every year, this year being King Of Media. This winter holiday lasts 15 days beginning Feb. 13 and raging through Feb.28. The insane parades, colors and entertainment bring the audience in and keep them for weeks of partying.

In Sydney, Australia, Mardi Gras is more than just a Lent-oriented party; it is the biggest LGBTQ event of the year. Much like Gay Pride parades, the event is meant to celebrate the culture and inspire others to take part by spreading the message and the love. The grand parade of Sydney’s Mardi Gras is on the first Sunday in March and the party will go all day and night typically ending the following morning.