2012 Mardi Gras and Carnivals Around the World

A swirl of color, music, costumes, and crowds, Mardi Gras is the last day before the start of Lent. This year it falls on February 21, 2012.  Each of the countries that celebrates Mardi Gras does it in an inimitable way, blending its culture and traditions into the event's parades and revelry. In many places Mardi Gras (literally "Fat Tuesday") is part of an extended celebration known as Carnival.

By: Susan Breslow
January 26, 2012
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Brazil Carnival 2012
Source: Getty Images.
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Brazil Mardi Gras 2012

The biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the world, Rio de Janeiro goes all out for its Carnaval. Last year, some 5 million people attended. In 2012 no fewer than 425 street parades are scheduled. The highlight of the festivities are the samba dancers. Students in flashy, feathered gear, they don't just move to the beat; they feel it. Stretching the festivities out, the city also hosts pre-Carnival in January (when you can see the dancers rehearse) and a post-Carnival with blocos (singers and bands) that bring their music to the streets and the beaches.  

Find out more about Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2012.

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