The month of February offers us several varied holidays to celebrate, from Groundhog Day and President’s Day, to the romance of Valentine’s Day. In recent years, however, perhaps the biggest celebration for the month of February has been Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras is also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’, and is celebrated on the Tuesday before Lent season. The term ‘fat’ comes from the old tradition of eating big meals and desserts before fasting of some kind began with the start of Lent. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21, but in many big cities Mardi Gras celebrations last not just one day–but for an entire week!
There are several events happening in the San Diego area that will help you celebrate Mardi Gras as if you were in Louisiana’s French Quarter. This February 21st consider heading down to the Gaslamp District for the ‘San Diego Mardi Gras Ball’ at 4th and B, a premier live music venue. This party is sure to please with its Brazilian theme, Samba music and dancers, Capoeira performances, and an abundance of beads and feathers to add to the fantasy atmosphere. You can also check out the Little Italy ‘Carnevale’ event located on India and Hawthorne streets on February 18th. Enjoy celebrating with over 12,000 people amidst old-style Venetian regalia and décor. Or consider joining the Hillcrest Mardi Gras street party on the 21st for festivities, food, live entertainment, and outrageous costumes.
After a long night (or week!) of celebrating, rest your head on a comfy pillow at the Ocean Park Inn. Located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, the Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to stay to be within a close distance of multiple Mardi Gras events. Not to mention the OPI’s wonderful group packages and easy booking process, which allows for easy and affordable stays for your whole group. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, great prices and packages, and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to oceanparkinn.com for more information about the hotel and nearby places to celebrate Mardi Gras!