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Carnival in Rio features a parade and a Samba competition. Photo courtesy of Gustavo Ardila and Shutterstock.
Top 5 places to spend Mardi Gras (that’s not New Orleans)
February 19, 2025
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, they think of New Orleans. But this holiday actually marks the end of Carnival. Carnival is a multi-day, or week, celebration during the pre-Lenten period (40-days of prayer and fasting before Easter, observed by many Christians) and is celebrated worldwide, including places you might not expect. So, rather than the usual pilgrimage to NOLA, why not switch it up and head to one of these five places instead?
1. Mobile, Alabama
Though Mardi Gras isn’t held until March 4th, Mobile’s celebrations have already begun, with parades happening every few days from mid-February to early March. In fact, Mobile hosts the oldest official Carnival and Mardi Gras in the U.S. Elaborate floats are manned by masked figures from mystic societies, escorted by marching bands and mounted police. Grand parties and balls (all family-friendly) last long into the night, and people even decorate outside their homes with lights and art.
Book your Mardi Gras trip to Mobile.
2. Venice, Italy
If you’ve never heard of Carnival of Venice (Carneval de Venèsia), you’ve likely unknowingly seen pictures or movies of the famous costumes and masks. Venetian masks are intricately designed and chillingly reminiscent of a porcelain doll’s face. They first appeared in the 13th century and still remain an essential part of Venice’s celebrations. If you can, pick one up before the festivities start, so you can blend right in as you weave through lavish balls, dinners, parties and parades all throughout the ancient city. Also, make sure to try chiacchiere (fried dough coated in sugar) and fritelle (doughnuts stuffed with pine nuts), two Italian Carnival classics.
Book your Mardi Gras trip to Venice.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mardi Gras in Rio is like the world’s largest block party. Starting on February 28th and ending on March 4th, this celebration is marked by color, costumes and Samba. The annual parade is always hosted on Saturday and features multiple dance groups competing as they parade in a 90,000-person stadium. Each dance reflects a theme or story, tediously choreographed during the months leading up. On the actual day of Mardi Gras, join in on the dancing at one of the many concerts throughout the city.
Book your Mardi Gras trip to Rio.
4. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Bacchanal Week: Trinidad and Tobago’s celebration of Carnival. Beginning February 26, fetes (parties) pop up throughout Port of Spain. There’s also stick-fighting, where participants go head-to-head against other fighters with only sticks as their weapons, all backdropped by drumming and singing in patois. The Sunday before Mardi Gras, a torchlight procession called Kambule takes place along with multiple musical competitions, including Calypso and Soca singing and the playing of steel pans (Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument). On Mardi Gras itself, you can go watch the colorful, and often masked, parade float through the city.
Book your Mardi Gras trip to Trinidad and Tobago.
5. Sydney, Australia
At Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebration, LGBTQ pride and culture thrives. The weeks leading up are filled with balls, brunches and parties, but the weekend before is when celebrations peak. At the parade on Saturday, expect to see elaborate floats bursting with colors and lots of dancing. If that’s not enough festivities for you, close out the night at Sydney’s famous Mardi Gras party with music, lights and live performances. On Sunday, experience even more music, drag and drinks at the Laneway street-party.
Book your Mardi Gras trip to Sydney.
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