Carnival
Carnival festivals occur the world over but are particularly celebrated in the Caribbean and South America. The parallel to Carnival in the United States is Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”), which is celebrated primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although the festival is of European origin, two of the biggest celebrations today are found in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event itself, and the music that permeates the celebration’s activities, has become an integral part of the cultural identity of the peoples of both nations.