10 Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Europe

In North America, Mardi Gras—or Carnival as it’s known in many places around the world—is most famously associated with the cities of New Orleans and Mobile, with myriad celebrations taking place all over the country. Have you ever wondered where the tradition of throwing a pre-Lenten party started though? Most of it can be traced back to Europe and rest assured that the Continent still knows how to throw a bash each year around this time. Venice and its masked parties may be well known around the world, but there are a handful more places that deserve consideration as the perfect destination to liven up your next winter off-season trip to Europe. Click on the slideshow to see 10 of the best.