No wonder Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday in French, is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year in many parts of the country and world --- San Diego included.

The idea behind this tradition goes back to the late 17th century in North America, particularly in what are now known as Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Mardi Gras arrived as a French Catholic tradition, where the idea was to engage in as much eating (dieting be damned), drinking, partying and general good-time debauchery as possible before the fasting season of Lent kicks in.

Costumes, masks, dancing, music, parades and other activities are standard fare for Mardi Gras celebration. While most people associated Mardi Gras as being a one-day affair, there are plenty of areas where the celebrations stretch out for a longer period of time.

In the Gulf city of Mobile, Alabama, for example, Fat Tuesday fare starts in November and goes all the way through February, up until the midnight before Ash Wednesday. New Orleans, of course, is the first American city that comes to mind regarding Mardi Gras.

However, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city no stranger to partying, Carnival is the biggest holiday of the year in that country. Two million people from everywhere show up, making Brazil’s Carnival (as the pre-Lent celebration is known there) the biggest in the world. The bulk of Brazil’s tourists visit during this time.

Trinidad and Tobago, Quebec City, PQ, Mazatlan and Sinaloa are other places known for Mardi Gras action. In Italy it’s a multi-day celebration known as carnevale, good-bye to meat in Italian. For those San Diegans unable to make it to New Orleans or overseas, there are several local options. Sure, none of them include strolling down Bourbon Street, but they might be the next best things around America's Finest City:

Mardi Gras Gaslamp Quarter February 21, 5th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter: Probably the biggest Mardi Gras party in town, for which crowds of over 40,000 have been known to show up. Sixteen Gaslamp blocks will be transformed into a mini-New Orleans, with five stages of DJs, bands, entertainment and a massive parade. You must be 21 years old or over and have a valid ID to partake in the fun. Proceeds will benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Association. $20 (advance), $25 door. (619) 233-5227

Hillcrest Mardi Gras Febraury 21, Rich’s Dance Stage, featuring DJs and dancing, highlights this 11th annual event. Of course, there will be plenty of music, food, beads, costumes and live entertainment. There will also be a chance to win a four-night getaway to Puerta Vallarta. It should be noted that this is a fund raiser, with proceeds going to LGBT youth scholarships and neighborhood improvements. Hillcrestmardigras.com

House of Blues Mardi Gras Party February 21, 1055 5th Ave, Downtown, 3 pm-midnight (live entertainment on the Voodoo Stage starts at 8 pm). Talk about getting an early start on Mardi Gras. Happy hour drink specials kick in at 3 pm, with $2 domestic drafts, $3 house wine and cocktails and $4 martinis, not to mention specials on appetizers. And as if that weren’t enough, there will be other drink specials all night. There will also be plenty of New Orleans-style food, entertainment and costume, all in the name of creating an authentic Big Easy feel. (619) 299-2583, houseofblues.com

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp February 21, 6 p.m. to midnight, 6th Avenue and K Street, Gaslamp District: This block party will feature multiple stages of entertainment, international DJs and a masquerade parade (9:30 p.m.) A $30 Fat Tuesday dinner package is available for three restaurants in the acclaimed Cohn Restaurant Group chain --- The Melting Pot, Gaslamp Strip Club, Analog and Blue Point Coastal Cuisine. Twenty-one up, IDs a must.