Pulsating music, intricately decorated parade floats, a plethora of joyful dancers, and enough decadence to last a lifetime — these are the makings of a memorable Carnival. At the heart of every elaborate Carnival festival is an amalgamation of age-old tradition and ornate costuming paired with the occasionally satirical, tongue-in-cheek celebration. From New Orleans to Venice, no two cities’ spectacles are identical; rather, this annual parade of revelry ranges from the brightly-colored bead tossing along Bourbon Street to the grand masquerade balls that epitomize the Venetian style.