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

When: Feb. 20-28

Known as the "fifth season of the year," the Cologne Carnival is listed as kicking off on Nov. 11 but apparently gets a resurgence on the Thursday before Lent. It's also got a nickname: the "crazy days." Perhaps it might be due to people celebrating within public squares with festivities. Held on a Thursday, Weiberfastnacht (translated as Women's Carnival) is a day for the ladies, in which they show they're in charge by wearing fun outfits and cutting off men's ties. Guys who remain good sports about their sudden loss get rewarded with a kiss (also known as Bützchen). Another major day is Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday, in which a huge parade starts off in the morning from the Severinstorburg, a city gateway, with marching bands and participants on floats throwing small tokens such as flowers and sweets to crowds while en route.