Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnival, Shrove Tuesday -- there are a lot of different names for today, February 12.
The holiday, with deep roots in the Catholic religion, marks the last day of revelry before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Some say the holiday is even older, with ancient Romans celebrating a blow-out party and then a spring fast thousands of years ago.
Whatever the origins (or name), Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the globe with music, parades, dancing in the street, food, and drink.
Though the epicenter of Mardi Gras is New Orleans, there are some pretty good parties here in Miami.
So grab some beads and a mask tonight and drink, eat, and be merry.
The Alibi
The Alibi celebrates four years and Fat Tuesday with its annual Fat Tuesday celebration. Beginning at 9 p.m., dance to some NOLA funk and stuff yourself on crawdaddies, shrimp po'boys, and king cake. Beads and more beads will be given out.
The Fish House
The party starts at 3 p.m. and continues all night with a giant crawfish boil, king cake, bead throws, and live music. Authentic New Orleans acts such as Sista Marybeth, Papa Joe, and Motel Mel will perform. The mud bugs are authentic too!
RA Sushi
The South Miami sushi restaurant is celebrating "Mardi Ra" from 7 p.m. till close with spicy dishes and New Orleans-style cocktails. Try the chicken and shishito "green necklace" ($7) or the chili shrimp roll ($8) and have a few Southern juleps ($8) or HurRAcanes ($7).
Fat Tuesday
Where better to celebrate Fat Tuesday than at Fat Tuesday? Get yourself a giant frozen hurricane or daiquiri, made with potent grain alcohol, and experience a buzz and a brain freeze at the same time. All Fat Tuesday locations will be giving out beads today. Think this is too touristy? Think again -- Anthony Bourdain visited Fat Tuesday on his last trip to N'awlins.
Sushi Samba Dromo
Looking for less Bourbon Street and more Rio in your revelry? Sushi Samba celebrates Carnival in Rio, beginning at 8 p.m. Drink special Carnival-inspired cocktails such as the tangerine honey caipirinha ($12) while you watch samba dancers shake. Drummers, prizes, and a live feed from Carnival in Brazil will turn Lincoln Road into a huge fiesta.
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