Mardi Gras Information: Lean Web Sites for Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras is more than just a debauched free-for-all: In fact, the history of Mardi Gras is steeped in tradition and religious meaning. This Mardi Gras Information Web Guide shows you Fat Tuesday in all its incarnations. Use these resources to learn about Mardi Gras traditions, and find help throwing your own Fat Tuesday celebration.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is more than just an excuse for wild debauchery during Spring Break. Below you'll learn ... read more »
Mardi Gras Celebrations
New Orleans is practically synonymous with Mardi Gras, but around the world numerous cities celebrate their own versions of Fat Tuesday and Carnivale. Find details on the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations around the globe with the sites below.
Insights for Mardi Gras Celebrations
- Mardi Gras means different things in different places. For example, in the British Isles and France it’s a day for eating pancakes and crêpes, while in Sydney the day is marked by a parade that aims to heighten the visibility of gays and lesbians. Tossing beads and shedding clothes are not necessarily part of the event. In fact, during Switzerland’s Fasnacht, anything deemed inappropriate for families is not allowed.
- Many smaller cities and countries have their own versions of Mardi Gras and Carnivale celebrations. If you want a more intimate, under-the-radar party, try searching on official tourism Web sites and online newspapers. For example, learn more about Slovenia’s Kurentovanje on the festival’s official Web site and get a taste of a Mardi Gras soirée focused on revitalizing French-Canadian culture in northern Rhode Island, as described in The New York Times.
- Once you’ve decided which fiesta is worthy of your presence, consult the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide for Web sites to help you find and book a flight and a place to stay.
- For travel information regarding Mardi Gras and Carnivale celebrations outside of New Orleans, refer to findingDulcinea Travel Web Guides for individual countries, including Brazil, Australia, Italy and France.
Top Sites for Mardi Gras Celebrations
For New Orleans …
MardiGras.com
is a lively site led by New Orleans paper The Times-Picayune. Full of articles, multimedia features and trip planning tools, the site is a bit cluttered but has a great variety of resources.
Budget Travel
featured an article about Mardi Gras that is a great tool for potential visitors. Find out which parades are must-sees, what is legal for partiers on the streets, and get a bit of insight into where to stay and buy a drink in the city.
For Rio de Janeiro …
Rough Guides
offers a short but effective section on Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and informs you of the best festivities in smaller cities.
For Venice …
Whatsonwhen
covers Venice Carnevale. This brief entry explains what goes on during the centuries-old celebration in St. Mark’s Square and links you to the official Venice Carnevale site.
ItalyGuides
is an excellent resource for travelers to Italy with a brief section on Carnevale. Read up on the storied history of Carnevale masks and view the colorful photo gallery.
For Sydney …
New Mardi Gras
is the official site of the festivities in Sydney, Australia, where Mardi Gras and the accompanying parade are intended to raise the visibility of gays and lesbians. Learn more about the event and how to be a part of it.
For France …
French Entrée
discusses the tradition of Pancake Day, which occurs on Mardi Gras (the day before Ash Wednesday) throughout France. Find out how the French take a more subdued approach to indulgence before Lent.
For Quebec …
Carnaval de Quebec
introduces Carnaval in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada. Find all the details you need to join in the revelry.
Mardi Gras Party Ideas
Put your own stamp on Fat Tuesday with some Mardi Gras party ideas. On the Web, ... read more »
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