What is Mardi Gras and why do we celebrate it?

Every year, the people of New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday.” This holiday is the day before Ash Wednesday, and it begins a season of fasting, called Lent, for many Christians leading up to Easter Sunday. Today, Mardi Gras season in New Orleans is a time of merry-making and festivity.

What is the story behind Mardi Gras?

A popular theory holds that Mardi Gras’ origins lie in ancient pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia. Some experts contend, however, that Mardi Gras-type festivities popped up solely as a result of the Catholic Church’s discouragement of sex and meat during Lent.

What is the Mardi Gras celebration?

Mardi Gras, (French: Fat Tuesday) festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.

Why is Mardi Gras celebrated in February?

Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday, takes place annually on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday—the beginning of the Christian observance of Lent, which last about six weeks and ends just before Easter. This means that Mardi Gras is a moveable holiday which can take place in either February or March.

What exactly does Mardi Gras celebrate?

In the United States Mardi Gras is most famously celebrated in New Orleans. Mardi Gras celebrations traditionally include parades, masked balls, and indulgence in food and alcohol. It is the last day for people to celebrate before beginning Lent and the restrictions imposed by the church.

What city is famous for Mardi Gras?

The most famous place to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States is in the city of New Orleans. But it is not the only place to go for a carnival atmosphere. Mardi Gras tradition is strongest in America where French and/or Catholic communities settled.

What are some Mardi Gras traditions?

Mardi Gras Traditions. Pancakes are a common food to eat during the feast. It is also a tradition to toss the pancakes with a coin in one hand in order to ensure prosperity throughout the year. Other common Mardi Gras foods are King Cakes, beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, and grits.

What does “Mardi Gras” mean in French?

In French, the word “Mardi” means “Tuesday,” and the word “gras” means “fat,” meaning that Mardi Gras translates to English as “Fat Tuesday.”. The name comes from the practice of preparing for the start of a period of fasting on Ash Wednesday, which immediately follows Mardi Gras.

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