Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - This week marks the beginning of Carnival (also known as Mardi Gras in the US,) which is celebrated in many regions of the world and was brought here to Mexico by the Spaniards.

Because celebrations begin the week before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent), the date of Carnival changes annually. This year's festivities start this weekend for most of the nation; however, Mexico's two largest Mardi Gras celebrations, in Veracruz and Mazatlan, have already begun.

The history of Carnival relates to the biblical 40 days of Lent, which refers to the days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert. During lent participants give up, among other things, eating rich foods such as meat, dairy, fats, and sugar to pay homage to the suffering and self control of Christ.

Because all rich foods had to be gotten rid of by Ash Wednesday, people began converging for large feasts leading up to the start of Lent in order to dispose of the food so it wouldn’t just go to waste. These feasts are the origin of the large, colorful parties we celebrate today.

Though Mexico’s most famous carnival festivities are held in Veracruz and Mazatlan (and are considered by many to rival those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans,) other cities throughout Mexico, including Merida, Cozumel, Campeche, Ensendada, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta, throw large Carnival celebrations that are not be missed. Click HERE to learn more about the 4th Annual Puerto Vallarta Carnaval and Mardi Gras Parade.