Celebs Embrace Mardi Gras and Carnival

By Michael Lopez

Another "Fat Tuesday" has come and gone, which we’re sure led to plenty of Wednesday morning hangovers. And judging by the latest batch of gossip blogs, several celebs may be reaching for the Tylenol too. Oh yes, a ton of famous faces made the rounds at both Mardi Gras and Carnival this past week and we’ve got the stories to prove it.

Way down in Brazil, Jennifer Lopez and Fergie were the belles of the ball. Lopez actually had her trip comped by the South American beer company, Brahma. She had done a few Spanish commercials for them and they returned the favor with two first class tickets to Carnival. Who was JLo’s extra guest? That would be her new boytoy Casper Smart, who was seen partying alongside her on the streets on Rio.

Fergie made a memorable appearance down south as well, hanging out at Brazil’s famed Sambadrome with Sharon Stone. The BEP star’s appearance was sponsored by Head and Shoulders, which was actually quite obvious once paparazzi cams caught a glimpse of her fluffy, flowing hair.

Back in the states, Will Ferrell earned huge cheers as he took the reigns of Mardi Gras grand marshal. Dressed in an over-the-top king outfit, he waved to the crowd and threw out bucket loads of beads. Interestingly, Ferrell’s float garnered almost as much attention as he did, with its giant fruit baskets and plastic gladiator head.

Old school music fans got some fun down in New Orleans as well. Classic rockers Cyndi Lauper and Bret Michaels were part of the Orpheus parade club, which emphasizes music and was founded by Harry Connick Jr.

Hilary Swank made a big splash too, tossing trinkets from her colorful celebrity float. And Law & Order’s Mariska Hargitay really got into the spirit, dressing herself in a gold bedazzled butterfly dress.

And don’t get us started on the rest of the French Quarter. Throughout the day, photographers snapped images of Wizard of Oz characters, dancing fairies, and black skeleton heads grooving to live Dixieland music.

Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday afternoon, if you ask us.

How did you celebrate "Fat Tuesday?" Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bret Michaels, Carnival, Celebrities, Cyndi Lauper, Fat Tuesday, Fergie, Hilary Swank, Holidays, Hot Stuff, Jennifer Lopez, Mardi Gras, Mariska Hargitay, Sharon Stone, Will Ferrell