Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

Take to the Streets

Mardi Gras celebrations around the country are this month's hottest parties.

Mardi Gras-the annual celebration that began as a Roman festival to ward offevil spirits-was incorporated by Christianity as a period of merriment preceding Lent, and brought to North America by the French in the 17th century. Today, it's New Orleans's single biggest draw. But if you can't get there, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun.

In fact, Soulard Mardi Gras (www.mardigrasinc.com) is St. Louis' largest festival. This city rich in French heritage attracts tens of thousands of revelers who take part in events throughout the month, culminating with a "Light up the Night" Fat Tuesday parade (Feb. 24). Don't miss the PetSmart Wiener Dog Derby on Feb. 15, which has dachshunds racing in divisions based on age.

Running Feb. 6-24, Pensacola Mardi Gras (www.pensacolamardigras.com) sticks relatively close to the New Orleans script with float-filled parades organized by "krewes," with the Grande Mardi Gras Parade taking place Feb. 21.

Come Fat Tuesday, Polish Americans celebrate what is known as "Paczki Day." A paczki is a deep-fried, filled pastry traditionally made to use up lent-banned ingredients. Revelers in Hamtramck (www.hamtramck.us), just outside Detroit, celebrate with parades and extended hours at local watering holes-and a paczki or five.

Often considered an adult event, Mardi Gras (including the one in New Orleans) actually has a light-hearted, family-oriented feel, so take the kids along and celebrate.