Mardi Gras

carnival · tradition · New Orleans · celebration

French for Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French. It's called this because it was the last chance to eat delicious, rich foods like meat and butter before Lent, a 40-day period when people fasted and avoided those foods.

One epic party day. Mardi Gras falls right before Ash Wednesday and marks the final day of Carnival, a season of celebration and fun. After this day, the serious fasting season of Lent begins.

Christian tradition roots. The celebration connects to Christian beliefs about Lent, when people prepare their hearts and bodies by giving up favorite foods. Mardi Gras became the ultimate "last hurrah" before those 40 days of fasting.

Colorful street celebration. Today, Mardi Gras is famous for parades, music, costumes, and vibrant decorations. The biggest celebrations happen in New Orleans, where the streets fill with dancers, floats, and millions of people having the time of their lives.