AP PHOTOS: Fat Tuesday celebrated around the world

February 12, 2013 | Modified: February 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm
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Performers from the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, early Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. Rio de Janeiro's samba schools vied for the title of the year's best Monday in an over-the-top, all-night-long Carnival parade at the city's iconic Sambadrome.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

From sequin-drenched samba parades in Rio de Janeiro to cascades of Mardi Gras beads on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, revelers gathered to dance until dawn at Fat Tuesday celebrations. The Roman Catholic period of Lent begins on Wednesday and Fat Tuesday marks the end of the carnival festivities that lead to the solemn season.

Here is a look at some of the celebrations around the world.