A costume from Venice, one of the homes of Carnival

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Originally uploaded by baddogsticks.

Outside of New Orleans - in the places where Carnival has been adopted in recent times - the entire season may be called Mardi Gras. With more background, even newbies will see that the proper term for the season is Carnival. In countries with Latin-based languages, it is Carnevale. Only a single day should be called Mardi Gras if you buy into the rituals and culture of this global party.