Florida Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday) has been celebrated in the Southern states for centuries, particularly in Louisiana, Alabama and of course Florida.

As its name suggests, it is always on a Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, as a precursor to Lent and is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. In 2010, Mardi Gras falls on February 16.

Like last year, there will be no celebrations at Disney's Pleasure Island which is closed for a major rework but Universal Studios more than make up for it.

Universal Studios

One of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in 2010 takes place at Universal Studios on selected nights plus every Saturday night between February 6 and April 17 where you can experience authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine including Catfish, Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, red beans and rice, beignets and Andouille Sausage.

You can listen to the authentic sounds of the Big Easy and watch a special evening Mardi Gras parade with 12 authentic New Orleans style Mardi Gras parade floats when multi-coloured float riders and stilt-walkers throw strands of beads and doubloons into the crowds as they pass in true Mardi Gras tradition.

This year the floats have been updated to reflect the true New Orleans Mardi Gras party atmosphere. The parade times are 8:00 pm on February 6 to March 20 and April 17 and then 9:00 pm on March 27 to April 10.

There are also special live concerts featuring world famous acts including Blondie, the Beach Boys and Sheryl Crow. Click here for the full Universal Studios Mardi Gras concert line up for 2010.

In the French Quarter Courtyard, you will feel like you are strolling down Bourbon Street with a special Louisiana music program during the early evening which then continues at Universal CityWalk®.

Confirmed acts include Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band (February 6), Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers (February 13 and 14), Mem Shannon & the Membership (February 20), Chris Klein & The Boulevards (Sat, February 27), Honey Island Swamp Band (March 6), Big Red & The Zydeco Playmakers (March 13), Rockin' Jake (March 20), Soul Project (March 27),  J.J. Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts (April 3), Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers (April 9 and 10) and Daddy Mac Blues Band (April 17).

The Mardi Gras celebrations and concerts are included in the standard park admission plus you get free admission to selected venues at Universal CityWalk® including Pat O'Brien's which is an exact replica of the famous New Orleans bar, so you can party away until 2 o'clock in the morning. The rides remain open until normal park closing time.