Here on the Isle of Wight, we don't need Mardi Gras. We have a Pride event in the summer - Pride is a very big thing in the UK, events all over the UK.
Also, here on the Isle of Wight, every town has a carnival, a children's carnival and an illuminated carnival. In winter, there are also winter carnivals in many towns.
And that's on top of hundreds of events throughout the year, hundreds of tourist attractions, etc etc. I think we'll do just fine without Mardi Gras.
And bring on those pancakes! Lemon and sugar for me. As always, I'll make far too many, scoff them all anyway, then give up pancakes for Lent.