Intersection of one of the thirteen full moons with the calendar’s twelve months is the factor which adds the greatest variation to the Carnival season. As you see from the calendar above, Fat Tuesday is not the same from year to year. Fat Tuesday and Lent Wednesday are tied to Easter celebrations, that can fall on any Sunday from March 23 to April 25. It falls on the first Sunday succeeding the first full moon after the Spring Equinox.

Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego’s downtown is happening anytime but on one special night, the flavor of the streets takes on a uniquely Southern bend with Mardi Gras happenings. SoCo & Lime Hurricanes! are being recognized as the Southern California alternative to New Orleans, LA Mardi Gras offerings. Nowhere is Mardi Gras recognized more than in New Orleans, where a local bartender founded Southern Comfort (SoCo) in 1874. San Diego’s Gaslamp Mardi Gras will be having a  SoCo libations during its very own big, easy Mardi Gras celebration. A New Orleans-style street fair that includes  bands, street performers, and an incredible masquerade parade are going to make this the top place to celebrate in California. (No offense to our PR friends at Light & Associates in Irvine who throw an annual bash). Share the Mardi Gras spirit at gaslamp.org at the door. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Visit here  for more event information. This is a great event to stay overnight. Don’t drink and drive.