Universal Orlando is celebrating Mardi Gras again in 2023. The celebration takes place at Universal Studios every year. However, this year we’ve noticed something a bit different: rather than simply being dubbed a Mardi Gras celebration, Universal is calling their party Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.
That’s interesting for a couple of reasons. The first is that rather than a New Orleans-style celebration of Mardi Gras like it has always been, this year’s celebration will venture into new territory by celebrating the similar but slightly different Carnaval alongside. We expect to see sights and sounds from Brazil as well as bayou classics at this year’s Bash!
The other thing that interests us is the use of the word “flavors.” Could this finally be Universal’s answer to EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival? Universal’s website certainly seems to point in that direction. From their website, we will be able to “Sample flavors from the bayou to Brazil and beyond!” With 2022’s Mardi Gras food offerings being an exact repeat of 2021’s, this is a welcome addition indeed!
The best part of this mega party? Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration is INCLUDED in your park ticket. That’s right. No special ticket is needed for this rocking event. This year you’ll be able to go “beyond the bayou with an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world.”Guests will be able to catch the parade (and even be in it, for a fee), Sample specialty food, collect beads (lots and lots of beads) and enjoy live music all around the parks.
Then at night, the party really kicks it up a notch with concerts on select nights, all included with your admission ticket! Next year’s lineup hasn’t been announced yet but this year saw some pretty big names, including Jason Derulo, LL Cool J, Kahlid, and Gavin DeGraw!
The “biggest Mardi Gras bash this side of the Bayou” will take place February 5- April 24, 2023. Stay tuned right here because as soon as concerts and food menus are released, we will be sure to bring you all the details.