Universal Orlando unveils Mardi Gras plan for 2021

Universal Orlando will present an event called Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios theme park starting Feb. 6, the resort announced Wednesday.

The festival, set to run daily through March 28, will feature more than 70 dishes from 13 global locations. Among the revealed menu items: jambalaya, beignets and crawfish boil from New Orleans; mofongo from Puerto Rico; jerk chicken from the Bahamas; a vegan pholourie from Trinidad and Tobago; paella mixta from Spain; pork schnitzel sliders from Germany; and Belgium liege waffles from Belgium. Selections from Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Canada, Italy and France will also be included, Universal said in a news release.

The park will decked out in Mardi Gras décor, and parade floats from years past will be placed throughout Universal Studios during the event, which is included in regular admission. Street entertainment returns, including stilt walkers, dancers and brass band musicians. A Mardi Gras Tribute Store will be open and stocked with new merchandise, Universal says.

The 2021 celebration does not include a concert series or the traditional parade through the streets of Universal Studios. Last year’s event, including musical performances, was disrupted by the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and a subsequent shutdown of Universal Orlando and the tourism industry in general.

Universal continues to follow health and safety guidelines, including a face-covering requirement, temperature screenings and limited capacity. Reservations are not required for entry to Universal Studios or sister park Islands of Adventure.

For more information, go to universalorlando.com/mardigras.