10 Places in the World (Outside of New Orleans) Where You Can Celebrate Mardi Gras

When: Feb. 8-25

Head to Venice during Carnevale di Venezia, a two-week celebration that turns this waterside city into a circus spectacular. What makes this party so magical is that carnevale-goers wander around dressed in elaborate masks and clothing replicating nobility and attend masquerade balls and events, including processions and a best-masked costume competition.

The origins of this festival are said to date back to 1162, when Venice won a major victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia and the locals gathered to celebrate and dance within San Marco Square. This occasion became a Venetian tradition that would continue until being strictly forbidden in 1797. Luckily, it was fully restored in 1979.