Pictures of Carnival and Mardi Gras From Around the World

It's Mardi Gras, and when you think of the festivities, beads, and parades may come to mind, but the holiday is a big deal in lots of places oceans away from New Orleans. The lead up to Mardi Gras is known as Carnival, so the worldwide celebrations from Rio to Venice are actually the same party. Whatever you call it, though, this week is the world's time for some of the most fabulous makeup, hair, and costuming you'll see all year. So grab a slice of king cake, get in the holiday spirit, and read on.