5 things to know about Universal Mardi Gras

ORLANDO, Fla. — International Flavors of Carnaval continues for one final week.

A family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party continues at Universal Studios Florida.
The festival has been going on for nearly three months and features more than 50 global dishes, from Brazil to China.
“Mardi Gras — the roots are in New Orleans, Louisiana, but there are so many countries that celebrate Carnaval around the globe,” said Chef Jens Dahlmann, Universal Orlando Resort VP of Food & Beverage. “So, our approach is we want to celebrate Carnaval around the world and celebrate those cultures.”
Beads are everywhere, along with vibrant colors, costumes, and stilt-walkers. The nightly Mardi Gras parade features 12 hand-glittered parade floats and half of them are new.
Universal Mardi Gras runs now through April 4, 2026 at Universal Studios Florida.