Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] Mardi Gras is a 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. All of that can vary depending on the type of Mardi Gras you want to experience. As a general rule though, expect parades, masked riders, signature throws (from the bedazzled shoes of Muses to the sought-after coconuts at Zulu), live music, and non-stop revelry in many different forms. The origins of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras traces its roots to ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia, which involved feasting and revelry. With the advent of Christianity, these traditions were adapted into Carnival—a period of indulgence before the austerity of Lent. Mardi Gras specifically refers to the day before Ash Wednesday, when people Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party’s climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. True, these are the best recipes for celebrating the Mardi Gras season—but these simple and reliable recipes for New Orleans classics like gumbo, étouffée, po' boys, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster are perfect for any Tuesday of the year (not just Fat Tuesday). Try them for Wednesday and Thursday dinners, too. Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration leading up to the Christian period called Lent. A direct contrast to Lent's self-reflective, sacrificing feel, Mardi Gras celebrates the joy of life through music, revelry, and most importantly, food. Shop for wholesale Mardi Gras products, including our Jester collection, Fleur de Lis Collection, First you Make a Roux Collection, and more. Buy wholesale only for all of your Fat Tuesday needs. Mardi Gras is a celebration that’s open to all—it’s even family-friendly. Here’s what you need to know about Mardi Gras, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss events. What Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. SEASONAL COLLECTIONS. 1376 Bennett Drive #142 Longwood, FL 32750. Phone: (407) 260-8010 Fax: (407) 260-8310 Contact Info Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal Mardi Gras is not just for humans; New Orleans hosts a "Krewe of Barkus" parade, where dogs don costumes and join the fun. The largest Mardi Gras float ever built was over 330 feet long and carried more than 200 riders. Mardi Gras in Popular Culture. Mardi Gras has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in movies, music, and literature. SEASONAL COLLECTIONS. 1376 Bennett Drive #142 Longwood, FL 32750. Phone: (407) 260-8010 Fax: (407) 260-8310 Contact Info The Mardi Gras Collections is an importer selling only to the wholesale trade. Register on the MY ACCOUNT page. Fax a copy of your TAX ID Certificate to The Mardi Gras Collections @ (407) 260-8310.
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