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The Venetian tradition dates back to the 13th century and the city remains a popular Mardi Gras destination today. Still, the original intent of Mardi Gras has always been to indulge, within the context of Catholic morality and reason, the last day before the start of the Lenten season. A Reflection of Catholic Tradition. At its core, Mardi Gras in all its forms is a Catholic celebration. The name itself—”Fat Tuesday”—reflects the day’s purpose: a final indulgence before the fasting and solemnity of Lent. The Courir de Mardi Gras, though playful and lighthearted, is rooted in the same themes. The first modern Mardi Gras took place in 1857. The 1946 celebration marked the first Mardi Gras in four years after being canceled in 1942 due to World War II. Few people realize that the colors of beads tossed around at Mardi Gras have religious significance. The official colors are purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. pre-Christian pagan celebrations. Mardi Gras (French for ‘Fat Tuesday’) is actually the final day of the festivities known as Carnival. The Latin root of the word Carnival is carne vale, which means “farewell to meat”—a reference to the upcoming 40 day fast of Lent that commences at midnight on Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday was named Though Mardi Gras is often associated with excesses and debauchery, the origins of the celebration are firmly rooted in Catholicism. In many areas of the country, Carnival season begins on January 6 with the Epiphany, also known as "Twelfth Night," as it is the last of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Mardi Gras is strongly associated with wild bacchanalia and debauchery, but the original intent of the holiday and how it’s kept by the faithful is much different. Fat Tuesday, as it is known in English, is a long-standing tradition of the Catholic Church and it marks the last day of ordinary time before the start of Lent, a time of fasting Where Does The Name Mardi Gras Come From? The phrase “Mardi Gras” literally translates from French to “Fat Tuesday”. So basically it’s the Tuesday before Lent that you eat up all the fat and everything before the fasting begins. Sometimes people also refer to this day as “Fat Tuesday” as well. Catholic Mardi Gras Traditions One of the terms often used with Mardi Gras is the word "carnival." We picture huge public celebrations or parades. We picture huge public celebrations or parades. Anyone who visits one of the big carnivals held on this day usually bring back stories of self-indulgence and hedonism that make most people blush. This may certainly be true, but Catholic liturgists identify another link — namely, a time to extend celebrations of the Christmas season until the beginning of Lent. Whatever the case, certain cities around the world (Venice, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans) have become identified with elaborate civic festivities leading up to Mardi Gras. Catholics see this season between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Though Mardi Gras conjures up pictures of excess and sinfulness, Ordinary Time for the Catholic church is understood as a season of growth and maturing. It symbolizes, in some sense, the life of Christ (as opposed to the seasons celebrating His life and death). The History of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed by Christians of the following denominations: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian. This Year's Mardi Gras Celebration will be held at Nanina's in the Park 6pm-10pm on March 4th, 2025. This year's Honorees are: Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist (Eucharistic Ministers) & Lectors Past & Present To reserve a table or seat and/or an ADVERTISEMENT in the Mardi Gras Ad Journal, please fill up the forms below and contact In Brazil, Mardi Gras is called Carnival. People dance the Samba, don colorful costumes, buy and sell delicious food, feature detailed floats during parades and more. In France, Mardi Gras is celebrated with one of the largest carnivals in the world - Carnaval de Nice. Like my department’s very miniature golf cart Mardi Gras parade, these Carnival rituals, I propose, could lead our Catholic communities to more fully live out the meaning of the Mardi Gras colors: justice, faith, and the power of God. Lastly, Mardi Gras has the ability to create a sense of gratitude for joy and communal rituals, as well as an I used to be catholic. I want to learn more. Special Features. Jubilee Year 2025. Stories of Hope. A Mardi Gras Prayer Home; February 15, 2021. by Communications. Liturgically speaking, we are in Ordinary Time. But here in New Orleans, January 6th to the the day before Lent (Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) is anything but ordinary.Tuesday, January 6, 2015 (the traditional date of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord) marked the official beginning of the Carnival season (or Mardi Gras season, as we say down here). Historically, Mardi Gras is the day for eating up the last of the rich foods that remain in the house and for having a big celebration before a long period of discipline and repentance. Today, less people observe Lent, but more than ever celebrate Mardi Gras, attracted by its joyful party atmosphere, music, food, and parades. Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe and was popularized in the 1700s, I don’t think it was celebrated in New Orleans until the 1700s-early 1800s. Typically in a Catholic Parish on Mardi Gras you host pancake breakfast and a potluck that evening to gather to burn last years Palms for this years ashes. Rooted in Catholic tradition, Mardi Gras marks the last day of feasting before Lent’s fasting and penance. The day embodies the joy and gratitude for God’s gifts, reminding us to reflect on our spiritual journey and prepare our hearts for the renewal and repentance of Lent, a season which, in turn, is ordered toward preparing for the great Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for it is from your goodness that we have this day to celebrate on the threshold of the Season of Lent.
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