If you can't be in Rio -- or New Orleans -- to celebrate Mardi Gras, there are some options in Chicago.
Brazilian Carnaval is considered the biggest party on earth, and the musical group Chicago Samba is doing its best to duplicate that flavor in the Windy City.
Carnaval 2009 will take place on Saturday at the Logan Square Auditorium (2537 North Kedzie).
Chicago Samba will provide the live Carnaval music, and there'll be plenty of costumed dancers to keep the party moving.
Free Samba dance lessons will be offered, along with authentic Brazilian food and caipirinha drinks.
Anyone 16 and older is welcome to attend, although you must be 21 to drink.
The doors open at 10 p.m. and the $15 tickets are available at www.chicagosamba.com.
