Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the world and San Diego is no exception! “Mardi Gras season,” and “Carnival season,” refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany (January 6) and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. So how does San Diego celebrate Carnival Season?

This year, San Diego kicked off Carnival Season with the 19th Annual San Diego Brazil Carnival 2011, which was held at the 4th & B Showcase Theater on Saturday, March 5, 2011. This spectacular Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball featured Pulsating Samba Beats, Beautiful & Sexy Samba Dancers, Electrifying Capoeira Performances, and Nonstop Brazilian Music.

On the same night, Little Italy had its own Carnival celebration, the Little Italy Carnevale from 5:00-9:00 p.m.  For this family-friendly Carnival celebration the streets of Little Italy came alive with a festive evening of shopping, dining, entertainment, and people dressed in traditional Venetian Carnevale regalia, orchestrated to mirror Carnevale in Venice. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm of Little Italy, enjoy delicious Italian food, fabulous entertainment and festive costumes.

Hillcrest celebrates with the Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party 2011, held on “Fat Tuesday,” March 8, 2011 from 6:00-11:00 p.m. This 21-and-up celebration is held on 4th & University Avenue and includes entertainment, food & beer and encourages its guests to wear Mardi Gras masks and costumes. Not only is this a fun Mardi Gras party, but it also has a noble cause – benefiting youth scholarships and community improvements.

And the big finale, the Gaslamp Mardi Gras, will be held on “Fat Tuesday,” Tuesday, March 8, 2011 in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. This 21-and-up event is San Diego’s biggest tribute to Carnival Season. It is held in the heart of Gaslamp on 5th Avenue from K Street thru E Streets from 6:00 p.m. – midnight. This block-party event features two parades (7:30 and 10:00 p.m.), stages featuring live music, food, beverages and plenty of beads!

San Diego knows how to celebrate Mardi Gras – do you? Check out one of these awesome events and let us know what you think. If you missed out on Mardi Gras this year, don’t let it happen again – check out our monthly Events Calendar to make sure you’re aware of all the fun happenings in San Diego!