Pre-Lenten celebrations around the globe, including Carnival and Mardi Gras, wrapped up yesterday before the marking of Ash Wednesday today. Historians say the tradition dates back to Roman times, when the newly converted Christians retained vestiges of their pagan festival, "Lupercalia," as a period of celebration before the penance during the 40 days of Lent. — Lloyd Young ( 46 photos total)



A reveler of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school performs during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on Feb. 12. (Vanderlei Almeida/AFP/Getty Images)

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