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2019 Carnival and Mardi Gras

February 21, 2019

The risk information in this report is retrieved from official sources as listed or linked. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Carnival and Mardi Gras are celebrated in many countries. Some of the most popular celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nice, France; Venice, Italy; Cologne, Germany; Quebec, Canada; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Trinidad and Tobago. The dates in which the celebrations occur vary by location. The most common dates are from Friday before Lent (Ash Wednesday) through Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

See below the anticipated celebration dates for the next three years:

  • 2019:  Friday, March 1, Tuesday, March 5
  • 2020:  Friday, February 21, through Tuesday, February 25
  • 2021:  Friday, February 25,  through Tuesday, March 1

If you will travel to a location that is celebrating Carnival and Mardi Gras, consider the following recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the CDC and the International Risk and Safety Office.

Research your destination

Additionally

Health

  • Talk to your doctor about vaccines and medicines recommended for your destination.

Additionally

Get ready to go

  • Expect significant travel congestion. Many people are traveling during this time.
  • Make photocopies of your itinerary and travel documents, including your passport, visa, and medical prescriptions. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents.
  • Pack Smart. Pack light, make sure you are not carrying banned items or substances, and have vital documents within reach.
  • Pack a travel health kit.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get the latest safety updates and help in an emergency.

Additionally

During your trip

  • Be transportation smart. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
  • Stick to safe eating and drinking habits to avoid traveler’s diarrhea and other food borne diseases.
  • Prevent mosquito and bug bites, they may carry Zika, Dengue, Malaria, or other equally debilitating diseases.
  • Avoid animals, including pets, local farm animals, and wild animals. In addition to the risk of rabies, all animal bites carry a risk of bacterial infection.
  • Be aware of the impact of hot climate and sun exposure, and protect yourself accordingly.
  • Mass gatherings pose unique health risks.  Large numbers of people in a small space can aid the spread of infectious diseases, increase the risk of injury, and test the local health resources.  Learn about what you can do to mitigate these risks.
  • According to an article in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, an estimated one in five travelers say they had sex with a new partner while in a foreign country.  Travelers who have unprotected sex (whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex) are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Many STDs can occur without any signs or symptoms, so you may not realize that you or your partner is infected. Learn what you can do to prevent a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Additionally

After your trip

  • The CDC’s getting sick after travel webpage lists some of the common health issues travelers might experience after returning home.
  • If you feel sick, visit your doctor and let them know about your trip.