The ebullient celebration has likely been around as long as the millennium it's closing. Officially, revelers can thank medieval Christians: Carnaval (from a word meaning "farewell to the flesh") was a last-ditch party before the austere season of Lent. But the festival has also been linked to ancient fertility rites and the decadent Roman feast of Lupercalia.
Traditionally beginning on Twelfth Night (January 6), the fête culminates on Mardi Gras. Also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras is the final day before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday). Because the date of Easter -- and hence, Lent -- fluctuates, Mardi Gras can fall anywhere from February 3 to March 9. This year, February 16 takes the honor. Next year is a bonanza: The party doesn't end until March 7. Last one out, shut off the lights.
Check out four classic Carnaval destinations and the latest news (above), or share your Mardi Gras memories on our message board.
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1999 Carnaval dates in some key cities:
Nice, France: Feb 13-28
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Feb. 13-16
New Orleans, U.S.A.: Feb. 6-16
Venice,Italy: Feb. 5-16
Quebec, Canada: Jan.29-Feb.14
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Upcoming Mardi Gras dates:
2000 - March 7
2001 - February 27
2002 - February 12
2003 - March 4
2004 - February 24
Source: carnaval.com
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