In the United States, that means a big bawdy in the Big Easy, New Orleans. They drink, they eat, they watch parades, they clamor for bead necklaces. But the celebration is not limited to just that country. Elsewhere in the world, where the celebration is called Carnaval, people are getting ready for fat fun before lean times arrive. And, in Nice, France, and Venice, Italy, planners are preparing for more toned-down celebrations.
Visitors can also review a glossary of terms.
If you can't get to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras, this site can bring you live pictures via six Web cams. This Web site says it has more than 500 restaurants with descriptions, price ranges and detailed maps. Search by cuisine style, neighborhood or keyword. It also lists recipes from top chefs, like TV's Emeril Lagasse, who gives his recipe for eggplant and shrimp beignets with remoulade sauce. New Orleans' 25,000-plus hotel rooms are typically 95 percent filled during Mardi Gras weekend, according to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.