Universal Orlando Resort will let the good times roll once again this year with Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval – featuring delicious food, floats, a new Tribute Store, and plenty of beads!
This first-ever celebration of the flavors and entertainment of Mardi Gras will take place daily at Universal Studios Florida from Saturday, Feb. 6 – Sunday, March 28.
The event will feature more than 70 dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the world for guests to enjoy. In addition, the park will be decked out in festive decorations, and guests will have their first-ever chance to get up close to the Mardi Gras floats as they’re stationed throughout the park.
In the streets will be a Big Easy bash with costumed dancers and stilt performers; elsewhere, guests will find brass band musicians, countless beads, and a newly-themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store stocked with merchandise. Keeping with the tradition of past modified events at Universal Orlando, there will also be a Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt.
The culinary offerings will highlight iconic Cajun fare and traditional Carnaval flavors, including:
- Cajun cuisine from New Orleans, like Crawfish Boil, Jambalaya, Beignets, and more
- Carnaval dishes from the islands, like Pernil & Mofongo from Puerto Rico, a vegan Pholourie from Trinidad and Tobago, and Jerk Chicken from the Bahamas
- Pork Schnitzel Sliders and Bavarian Pretzels from Germany, iconic Paella Mixta and Leche Frita from Spain and Belgium Liege Waffles from Belgium
- Other flavors from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, France, and more
Tasting Lanyards will be available, with more details coming soon – including information on a Passholder-exclusive lanyard.
In addition, there will also be Carnaval-themed menu options at Universal CityWalk and the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
As for health and safety procedures and guidelines, the usual practices will be applied to Mardi Gras: screening of guests and team members, enforcing social distancing, required face masks, limited capacity, and continuing aggressive cleaning and disinfection. Guests are able to remove their masks while actively eating or drinking, but will have to remain stationary and maintain proper social distancing.
To learn more about Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, head to UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.