Uruguayans have the longest Carnival celebration in the world, letting loose for more than 40 days every year, most vibrantly in the country’s capital, Montevideo. Theaters throughout the city are assembled and locals take to the stage to present the social and political climate of the country
through operas known as tablados.. REUTERS/Andres Stapff
Though Orlando may not be the first town that comes to mind when you think of Mardi Gras, Universal Studios puts on a celebration of beads and live music that the whole family can enjoy. For nearly two months on Saturdays and certain nights, the park entertains with headliners like Kelly Clarkson, and
dishes up Cajun treats like jambalaya and shrimp gumbo – a wonderful homage to New Orleans’ French Quarter.. REUTERS
It’s an honor for a man from Binche to be picked to join the Gilles on Shrove Tuesday. Gilles are clown-like performers – dressed in fanciful costumes, wax masks and plumed hats – who dance throughout the city starting in the wee hours and lasting through the night. The 1,000-plus men are the centerpiece of Binche’s carnival, named a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
It’s not until August, but London is the place to be in 2012. Though the Olympics will be most folks’ focus, the Notting Hill Carnival will come a close second for more than a million visitors. Trinidadian and Tobagonian Brits lead the charge, directing musicians and participants clad in colorful costumes through Notting Hill’s narrow streets.. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor
There’s really no comparison when it comes to Carnival celebrations when Rio is thrown in the mix. Brazilians take their weeks before Lent very seriously, putting on large-scale parades and festivities that in 2011 drew nearly 5 million people. The most famous holiday in Brazil features samba schools, or large groups of dancers and performers, who build spectacular floats and compete in one of seven divisions based on music, costumes and theme.. REUTERS
Thousands of tourists flood The Big Easy annually for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, deemed “the biggest free party on earth.” The entire city loosens its (already loose) reins, and douses itself with endless strings of beads, colorful floats and costumes to celebrate the naughtiest time of year. Floats of all
sizes roll through the streets in spectacular parades for two weeks prior to Mardi Gras.. REUTERS/Sean Gardner
Quebec City comes to life every February for the Quebec Winter Festival. Outdoor sports like snowboarding and dog sledding, snow sculpture contests and masquerade balls are all on the schedule each year as Canadians celebrate a winterized version of Carnival.. REUTERS/Mathieu Belanger
Its vibrant history and French roots set the tone for Trinidad and Tobago’s most significant celebration each year: Carnival. The Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday draw the Caribbean destination’s population to the streets to show off
elaborate costumes that groups take months to create.. REUTERS/Andrea De Silva
Sydney takes the opportunity during pre-Lent celebrations to support its LGBT community through more than 60 must-attend events at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The most popular spectacle, of course, is the evening parade down Oxford and Flinders streets. Other musts on the lineup include drag races on Bondi Beach, Fair Day at Victoria Park, a sunset cruise, and
a harbor-side dance party on Sydney Harbor.. REUTERS/Stringer .
Quebec City comes to life every February for the Quebec Winter Festival. Outdoor sports like snowboarding and dog sledding, snow sculpture contests and masquerade balls are all on the schedule each year as Canadians celebrate a winterized version of Carnival.. REUTERS/Mathieu Belanger
