Les Dates de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Dates) Mardi Gras takes place 46 days before Easter (le Pâques) — that is, sometime between February 3 and March 9.Mardi Gras is the day before Lent (le carême), which begins on Ash Wednesday (le mercredi des Cendres). The phrase is a calque of the English phrase "let the good times roll", that is, a word-for-word translation of the English phrase into Louisiana French Creole. This phrase is often mentioned in Louisiana (especially New Orleans ) and around the Gulf Coast where Mardi Gras is celebrated. However, today, much of what you might hear that sounds French is actually known as Cajun-French. Here's a look at the five most popular French words and sayings you'll hear while exploring NOLA. Mardi Gras. If you’re visiting New Orleans, chances are you’ve heard of Mardi Gras, or, in English, Fat Tuesday. Cajun French includes grammatical structures that would make your high school French teacher’s face turn white as a magnolia blossom in June. Still, we roll with it just as we accept that Cajun and Creole food are French-ish, but not French. A quintessential Louisiana phrase, “laissez les bon temps rouler” is a Cajun expression meaning “let the good times roll” – that is, to make merry. Mostly associated with New Orleans and frequently heard during Mardi Gras celebrations, the saying conveys the joie de vivre (joy of living) that hangs in the city’s humid air. Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have fun. revelers often use catchphrases and slogans to sum up the holiday’s carefree spirit. Some popular Mardi Gras sayings include “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” ( Let the good times roll!), ” Mardi Gras c’est magnifique!” ( Mardi Gras is magnificent!), and “Mardi Gras! Gotta love it!” In 2023, Mardi gras is 21 February; in 2024, it will be 13 February.* The period leading up to Mardi Gras is called Carnaval , and the several-week festival is celebrated in New Orleans, Nice , Guadeloupe, and many other francophone (and non-francophone) cities, regions, and countries. A local might recommend a specific place, saying, “You have to try the roast beef po’boy from that corner shop.” 13. Throw me somethin’ This phrase is commonly heard during Mardi Gras parades when people in the crowd ask float riders to throw them beads, trinkets, or other items. For example, “Hey, mister, throw me somethin’!” Members privately put on the balls and parades that make up Mardi Gras. Discover the many faces of Mardi Gras with our list of New Orleans Krewes. Lagniappe. A little something extra (pronounced LAN-yap). This could be a free dessert at the restaurant or a treat on the pillow at your hotel. Laissez les bons temps rouler. French for let the good Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday,” is a Christian holiday marking the end of the season of Epiphany and the beginning of the season of self-sacrifice called Lent (or Carême, in French). It’s the culmination of Carnival season , when you’re expected to indulge (notably in fatty foods—hence the name) in advance of the solemn season Mardi Gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit. English translation: Mardi Gras in the rain, winter is running away. 10. Quand Mardi Gras est là alors enlevez vos balances et faites vos crêpres. English translation: When Mardi Gras is here, take out your scales and make your pancakes. 11. Joyeux Mardi Gras ! English translation: Happy Mardi “Mardi Gras is not a parade. Mardi Gras is not girls flashing on French Quarter balconies. Mardi Gras is not an alcoholic binge.” — Chris Rose “Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue in New Orleans on Mardi Gras = bad idea!” — Nikki Sixx “C’mon take me to the Mardi Gras, where the people sing and play.” — Paul Simon “Mardi Gras, baby. Glossary of Mardi Gras Terms. Ball: a Mardi Gras ball is a special event parades host prior to rolling. They are similar to galas and often feature presentations of the royal court, dancing and costumes. Bacchus: a parade that rolls the Sunday before Mardi Gras. It's named after the Greek god of wine, often featuring grape related throws. Many “If you can’t find it in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, it probably doesn’t exist.” Mardi Gras in New Orleans is pure magic. It’s not just about a great party, it’s this whole vibe that takes over the city—the Big Easy just knows how to Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler (the cajun-french saying that means Let The Good Times Roll). However, when it comes to saying “Happy Mardi Gras” in French, the phrases we have covered are commonly used and understood throughout various regions. Remember, Mardi Gras is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. Whether you’re in France, Canada, or Louisiana, spread the festive spirit by wishing others a happy Mardi Gras in French. 131 result(s) for Mardi Gras Quotes In French. "Le carnaval est un temps où les rêves prennent vie." Anonyme "Fête et joie, c’est Mardi Gras !" Anonyme 80+ Mardi Gras Quotes, Captions & Sayings January 9, 2025 by Avika Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant celebration that marks the day before the Christian season of Lent begins. “Mardi Gras combines two of the best things: parades and parties.” “New Orleans – the city that dances to the beat of its own drum, especially during Mardi Gras.” “Mardi Gras is the only day you can wear purple, green, and gold and still be fashionable.” “Mardi Gras is like Christmas, Halloween, and the 4th of July all rolled “Le soir de Mardi gras, il faut danser sur les fumiers pour avoir des navets.” (On Mardi Gras night, you must dance on the manure to get turnips..) “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.” Mardi Gras Quotes “Let the good times roll!” – Anonymous “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” – Cajun French saying “Mardi Gras is the love of life. It is the harmonic convergence of our food, our music, our creativity, our eccentricity, our neighborhoods, and our joy of living.” – Chris Rose
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