Mardi Gras is part of the fabric of USA life. Having been brought to the Deep South by the early French settlers, it has become a hybrid of Catholic tradition and partying which draws thousands of tourists each year. The date that it starts fluctuates, but usually commences on Ash Wednesday. Next year on Shrove Tuesday, March 5 2019

The first Mardi Gras dates back to 1699 in Louisiana on the banks of the Mississippi River and now every year, revellers come dressed in beads for a day of fun and frolics on the streets. Louisiana is a notoriously a melting pot of cultures and traditions, so it is interesting to note that no two areas celebrate the festival in the same way. Everything has a unique flavour.

The modern day carnival has a legacy which dates back to the Rex Organisation in 1872. Rex is colloquially known as King of the Carnival and it was him that chose the official colours which are still worn with pride today: purple, green and gold. Although it is undeniable that this colour combination goes well together, Rex was not merely interested in aesthetics. He gave each colour its own meaning knowing that symbolism is very powerful in the South. The purple stands for justice, green is indicative of faith, and gold represents power.

But one of the most interesting aspects of the event is the parade which happens before Fat Tuesday, and culminates in the parade of 60 boats which travel the packed streets across from Slidell to Madisonville. Some of the best views can be found around Lake Charles and Houma, which are famous for the procession of brightly lit boats. Lafayette's take on Mardi Gras differs somewhat, and they are more family-oriented with lots of activities for children and youths.

The festival has a little bit of everything to titillate the senses, with dancers, food stalls, fancy dress, cocktails, awesome parades, and all you have to do is find a good spot and enjoy the procession. It is evident that the most fantastic celebrations happen on the streets of New Orleans, but all the surrounding neighbourhoods join in which gives it a fully inclusive atmosphere.

The bicycle is one of the most energy efficient modes of transport there is. When the whole world relies so heavily on dirty fossil fuels, which pollute the atmosphere, cost billions of dollars to maintain and cause countless ecological disasters. Sometimes you have to sit and wonder the logic of it all. Especially in urban areas, w ho needs a car when you have a bicycle which is the greenest mode of transport and it keeps you healthy. The 17th Annual Tour de Troit for September 15, 2018, is a bike ride that explores some of the city's historic areas, takes in many of its most breathtaking sights, and provides bicyclists a unique opportunity to legally "take over" the streets of Motown.

One city that is encouraging the use of the bicycle is Detroit. The irony being that Detroit is also known as The Motor City for its strong links to the automotive industry. But they obviously want to promote cleaner modes of transport as well with the Annual Tour de Troit, which is due to take place on September 15, 2018 . This level of support from such a major player in the car business can only be a good thing and shows a step in the right direction for a more sustainable future.

This is a bike ride with a difference as you will be circumnavigating the historic streets alongside 5000+ other cyclists. The scenery is beautiful in this part of the world and people will literally be allowed to take over the streets for a unique and breath-taking tour around the birthplace of Motown. After the frivolity is done and your legs are tired you can relax with some good food and music in Roosevelt Park.

Safety on such an occasion is obviously vital, and all of the precautions have been put in place, including a police escort. More experienced riders can opt out of this chaperone service if they choose to. Each rider is asked before the ride their skill level and speed so that they can be organised into groups. It is important to be honest about your capabilities, because if you are surrounded by cyclists who are faster than you that could pose a health risk.

For more info see:

http://www.tour-de-troit.org/

The Wright Brothers became living legends in the USA for inventing the first aircraft and started the ball rolling on a huge revolution in aerospace, yet it is important to remember the contribution of the hot air balloon. Seen today as something of a recreational fancy, you must understand there is some serious science behind the pretty façade. It stands as the oldest of all flight technology (1783) and was the first method of carrying humans into the skies.

Every entertainment guide to the USA has to therefore contain the amazing Alberquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which pays homage to the greatness of the hot air balloon. Hot air ballooning is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in life (permitting you are not scared of heights!). Every October flight fans descend on New Mexico for to see this spectacle for themselves and all expectations are thrown of the window. In the USA they have a habit of doing things bigger and better than you ever thought possible.

Albuquerque has the perfect climate to go ballooning down to the clear blue skies, calm winds and a mixture of weather conditions that have come to be known as the "Albuquerque Box." The geography and landscape of the surrounding area, along with favourable weather patterns, allows the balloonist to navigate the skies with consummate ease, and even retrace their journey.

The Fiesta Park where the event takes place has over 200 acres of space to enjoy and during the festival is totally inundated with the beautiful canopies of the balloons. There are a variety of stalls and eateries for tourists and balloon enthusiasts to enjoy, including authentic food from the area and souvenirs. Balloons make the trip from all over the world, and it has a truly global feel. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta October 6 - October 14 2018.

balloonfiesta.com

The USA has a deep affinity with horses that goes back to the time of the Pilgrims. The horse is a great symbol of the wildness of the American landscape and it goes right to the heart of the American identity. Nobody personifies this special relationship between man and horse better than the cowboy, like you see in old Western movies like Shane and A Fistful of Dollars. Today, modern day cowboys can be found in one place, the rodeo. 6 - 15 December 2018.

You can see the kind of passion the people have for their equine friends in any huge rodeo event. The biggest and most successful rodeo is the national finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, right in the middle of the desert. This is an annual event which takes place every December and is run by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association).

There are all sorts of events at National Finals Rodeo to get the adrenaline pumping such as the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and barrel racing. The team roping event can be spectacular as two mounted riders (split into "Headers" and "Heelers") chase and lasso a steer. But the one that all the people come to see is the bull riding, which sees a cowboy get on the back of a bucking bull and hold on until he is thrown off.

Every year at the Thomas & Mack Center which is situated in the University of Nevada they hold the grand rodeo final which is the biggest event in the cowboy calendar. It has all the glitz and glamour of a huge international sporting event and has been dubbed the ‘Super Bowl of Rodeo'. The event lasts 10 days and brings together the top 15 USA talents who compete for the overall crown in each rodeo discipline. More on

nfrexperience.com