New Orleans isn't the only city with elaborate and uproarious Mardi Gras festivities

Every year, 12 days after Christmas, the real parties start in New Orleans. Revelers do their best wise men impressions, gorging on King Cakes, adorned in beads while watching parade floats sweep down Bourbon Street. The fest leads to fever pitch on Fat Tuesday.

The annual festival has become uniquely American over time, but the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to 'Boeuf Gras' in medieval France. 'Boeuf Gras,' or fat ox, is a festival where meaty bulls are crowned with flowers and ribbons and paraded through the city to the sound of drums. French explorers Iberville and Bienville took this unique tradition to what would eventually become Louisiana in 1699, where it survived Spanish rule and the Louisiana Purchase.

Although beads and debauchery float to the front of Americans' minds when thinking of pre-Lent celebrations, there are equally as memorable festivals taking place around the world before fasting begins.

Since the 13th century, Venetians have vanished behind masks, banishing their Christian guilt to anonymous gamble, pursued forbidden love and entered convents without being caught. The use of masks was so widespread that by 1608, a decree was passed that forbade citizens to wear masks expect during Carnival. Visitors today are transported back to 18th century Italy when Saint Mark's Square is filled with elaborate baroque outfits of beads, feathers and brocades.

Cologne, Germany, embraces Carnival with political floats and crazy outfits. Cologne's official website warns visitors that kisses on the cheek, or Bützen, are common and to embrace them. Shrove Monday, or Rose Monday in Germany, is celebrated with intense parade floats -- many of which are fiery political commentary. This year, there was a sinking Britannia steered by British Prime Minister Teresa May and Trump as an elephant in a China shop.

The Oruro Carnival in Bolivia is the nation's largest event and goes back two centuries. Colorful marching bands, elaborate costumes and ghoulish masks, and floats carrying religious statues proceed throughout the city over 10 years. La Diablada, the 'Dance of the Devil,' is the main event and represents a battle between good and evil in which the Archangel Michael fights off hellish creatures.

And it is simply impossible to discuss Carnival without mentioning Rio de Janeiro. Competing samba schools work for months to create larger-than-life floats, flanked by drummers and dancers donning intricate feathered and bejeweled outfits that put the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to shame.

Can you think of a better way to have one last binge of merriment before Lent?