“Mardi gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit.” (Mardi Gras is in the rain; winter is running away.) “Quand Mardi gras est là alors enlevez vos balances et faites vos crêpes.” (When Mardi Gras is here, take out your scales and make your pancakes.) “Si le soleil luit tôt le matin, semailles de Mardi gras vont bien.” This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras (French: "Mardi Gras Point") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras. [32] Bienville went on to found the settlement of Mobile (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana. [33] Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. Like Ash Wednesday and Easter, Mardi Gras' date changes annually based on the Spring Equinox. According to Mardi Gras New Orleans, the holiday's colors In medieval France, Mardi Gras became a significant part of the Carnival season, characterized by masked balls, parades, and feasting. The name “Fat Tuesday” reflects the tradition of eating richly before the 40-day fast of Lent – in French, le Carême. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4th 2025. The most famous Mardi Gras carnival for North Americans is the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, which still keeps the French name given its past heritage. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, and refers to the celebration beginning after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and up to Ash Wednesday. It is called Fat Tuesday because On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday is the day that is celebrated. In many countries, the festival extends to a full week before the 40 day period of lent. This festive period is often marked by carnivals around the world including in Spain, Venice, Rio de Janeiro and Dunkerque to name a few. Cajun Jambalaya at Grace by Nia. ROBIN WINCHELL 2023. At Grace by Nia in Boston, indulge in a dish full of blackened jumbo shrimp, beef sausage, roasted chicken, crawfish, long grain rice Originally Mardi-Gras would begin on Sunday and last three days, the celebrations culminating in large feasts on Tuesday night. But by the beginning of the 20th century, the event was restricted to the Tuesday observance. Traditionally viewed as a day of repentance, Mardi-Gras became the last feasting day before the Lenten fasting season. The most famous Mardi Gras carnival for North Americans is the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, which still keeps the French name given its past heritage. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, and refers to the celebration beginning after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and up to Ash Wednesday. It is called Fat Tuesday because Mardi Gras is the climax of Carnival season and is celebrated the day before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday,” another name for Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) is perhaps the most well known French holiday in the U.S. Most Americans associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, but it’s also wildly popular in many French cities and departments, including Nice and the French West Indies (more details here). In Canada, the celebration of mardi gras is similar to that of the French: large floats float down the street, beads are thrown, and jazz music is played all night. This festival, also known as Carnaval de Québec , officially begins on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) and ends on Monday, March 3rd, the following Monday. The Mardi Gras celebration originated in France in the 17th century. It was originally a religious holiday, but over time it has become more of a festive occasion.Mardi Gras is now celebrated in many countries around the world, but the largest and most well-known celebrations take place in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according Carnival season is officially upon us, and while more than a million people are expected to flock to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, the holiday's American origins actually lie two hours On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the King Cake (the Gateau des Rois).
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