The French brought Mardi Gras with them to the United States when they settled in Florida during the 1600s. It only makes sense that their celebrations are the ones most tied into history and their past. The Nice Carnaval is a 10 day festival which puts on parades, concerts, and street theaters. This celebration has been a tradition ever since the Middle Ages. Even more historic is the Limoux Carnaval, which is known for its masks. This celebration also dates back to the Middle Ages and is known as the Medieval Mardi Gras.

United States

Even though Mardi Gras is not celebrated all throughout the United States, many cities make it a point to honor this tradition. These cities generally fall between Pensecola, Florida, and Layfeyette, Louisiana. This is because these regions have much French influence historically. Parades are held in these cities, with Fat Tuesday dedicated to feasting. Some cities, however, like Mobile, Alabama, start their Mardi Gras celebrations in November and end them on Ash Wednesday.

Australia

Sydney is most famous for its Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations. This festival originated as a march marking the International Gay Solidarity Day in 1978. More than 1000 marchers were on Oxford Street when the police took away their march permit and arrested 53 of them on the spot. Others were arrested later. Eventually, however, all the charges were dropped, and the next year, the march was held under the name of Mardi Gras. Now the festival is made up of parties, celebrations, and other creative arts.

Brazil