Whether you call it Mardi Gras or Carnival, the revelry before Ash Wednesday is a massive party in many parts of the world.

Coming up, we'll hear how they celebrate it in Venice.

There's gorgeous costumes, full regala, palace parties.

It's the greatest people watching period of the year.

While in Germany, the street party scene depends on where you live.

Carnival and Protestant regions is boring or non-existent

because only the Catholics know how to do it.

Get a taste of the best things to eat in Spain.

Spain produces over 40% of the world's olive oil

and that's why it's a part of our everyday diet there.

And hear about a hit reality show on Norwegian TV where all the contestants are Americans.

The grand prize is a reunion with their

Distant Relatives in the Old Country.

I mean, it was just one of the best days of my life.

We got to have a family reunion, a big picnic together,

and sit down and share stories. The party starts in just a minute. It's

travel with Rick Steves.

The festivities are legendary in New Orleans and Rio, but the origins of Mardi Gras and the

carnival street parties go deep into medieval Europe.

Coming up, we'll hear how people in Venice have been celebrating since the 13th century,

and the different ways the faithful in Germany's Rhineland get to blow off some

bocanellian steam before the fasting days of Lent. A little later in the hour will also meet the

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