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Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of Mardi Gras in Brazil has its roots in the country’s colonial history. When Brazil was a Portuguese colony, the Portuguese brought the tradition of Carnival with them. Over time, the celebration has evolved and become more elaborate, with intricate costumes and floats. Today, Mardi Gras in Brazil is a major cultural event. 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] Carnival, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent The Carnival of Brazil ( Portuguese : Carnaval do Brasil , IPA: [kaʁnaˈvaw] ) is an annual festival held the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday at noon, which marks the beginning of Lent , the forty-day period before Easter. Mardi Gras, with its long and rich history, has become a global phenomenon, shaped by the intersection of culture, tradition, and social change. From its origins in medieval Europe to its evolution in the Americas and around the world, Mardi Gras has become a symbol of indulgence, self-reflection, and community . The History of Brazil’s Carnival. Mardi Gras is thought to have originated from a Greek spring festival that was held each year to honour Dionysus, or as he was known by the Romans, Bacchus, the god of wine and good times. The spring festival was later modified by the Roman Catholic Church to become an event that marked the beginning of Lent. The History of New Orleans Mardi Gras . Although the date of the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is debatable, the 1730 account of one Marc-Antoine Caillot (a young clerk sent to Louisiana by the French Company of the Indies) mentions a celebration with music and dance, mask-wearing and costumes—including cross-dressing. But Mardi Gras history actually extends all the way back to the days before Christianity in Ancient Rome, and has roots in pagan spring festivals. As with most other holidays with a deep heritage, the traditions and customs of Mardi Gras evolved as it moved through countries, continents, and centuries and became the raucous, joy-filled The first Mardi Gras “krewe” took to the streets in 1857, when the Mistick Krewe of Comus, “a group of New Orleans businessmen, decided to invent a more civilized celebration” after In 1870, Mardi Gras' second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed. This is also the first recorded account of Mardi Gras "throws.". Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance, and they even printed "Carnival Edition" lithographs of parades' fantastic float designs (after they rolled, of course - themes and floats were always carefully guarded before the procession). Teaching Kids about the History of Mardi Gras. Learning about the history of Mardi Gras can provide children with a deeper appreciation for this festive celebration. Explaining the origins of Mardi Gras, its evolution throughout history, and the cultural influences that have shaped it can be both educational and engaging for young minds. Mardi Gras is a vibrant celebration rich in cultural meaning. Its connections to religion, social dynamics, and the economy make it a unique event that reflects the spirit of the communities involved. Religious Connections. Mardi Gras has deep roots in Christianity, particularly within Catholic traditions. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many different parts of the world, each with its unique flavor and style. While the modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations may differ from their ancient predecessors, the spirit of the holiday remains the same. Mardi Gras is a time to let loose, enjoy life, and revel in the joys of community and camaraderie. In Brazil, for example, feijoada is a popular dish during Carnival, which is the Brazilian version of Mardi Gras. This hearty stew is made with black beans, pork, and The birth of Samba in Brazil. In Brazil, places like Praca Onze and Cidade Nova are considered as the heart of Samba dance and music. According to Carnival history, back in the 1600s slave trading was practiced in South America. The slaves that came to Brazil brought with them their culture and love for music. The first Mardi Gras celebration in America was celebrated in 1703 in the settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile. Mardi Gras was celebrated soon after the city of New Orleans was founded in 1718 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. How Did Mardi Gras Start. Mardi Gras, also called Carnival, is a festive season that occurs before the Christian season of Lent. The word “mardi” means “fat” in French, and “gras” means “fatty.” Mardi Gras is thus a celebration of fat and indulgence before the period of fasting and abstinence that Lent represents. Why is Mardi Gras celebrated? Mardi Gras is celebrated in many countries around the world, though mainly in places with large Roman Catholic populations. It's believed that Mardi Gras emerged from the wild ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. These pagan celebrations involved days of feasting, masquerading, dancing, and drinking. There is no pinpointing the origins of the celebration known today as Carnival or Mardi Gras. Indeed, because its most elemental characteristics — drinking and feasting, dancing and music, masks and costumes — extend back into the mists of time, there’s no tidy way to connect the dots between prehistoric cave paintings of dancing stick-like figures wearing animal masks and the modern pre
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