Plenty of parties for Carnival

Got a craving for Carnival? If you can’t get to Rio, don’t just give up and stay home. There are plenty of places in Mexico and the Caribbean, from Mazatlan to Dominica, to celebrate the annual bacchanal. And there’s still time to get there!

The Mazatlan Carnival lasts six days (in 2010, it’s from Feb. 11 to 16), and is centered along the Paseo Olas Altas—with food and beer stands, bands, dancing and costume parades. It’s not just wanton partying, however. Families are encouraged and there are arts events and concerts for all ages.

The Trinidad Carnival is the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean. The party lasts for two days (in 2010, it’s Feb. 15 and 16), but islanders prepare for it months in advance. In the last month before Carnival, the calypso tents open—with cultural shows, soca concerts and moko jumbies. But save your energy for the main event, which begins early on the Monday morning of Carnival with J’Ouvert, when revelers wear homemade costumes, mud and grease for their parade through the streets.

Aruba’s Carnival has an all-day grand parade on Sun., Feb. 14, which is the big (but not final) event. There’s a “farewell parade” and a ceremonial burning of King Momo on Mardi Gras, Tue., Feb. 16. Bring your dancing shoes for all the jump-ups and torchlight parades.

Carnival in Dominica is known locally as “Mas Domnik,” and considered the Caribbean’s most original Carnival. Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 15 and 16) are the main days with costume parades, but the festival has already started. Check out the queen pageant, the calypso band competition and street jump-ups.

I’ll be in my beloved city of New Orleans on Mardi Gras. Will you be celebrating Carnival? Where?