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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. 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] The seven symbols for Mardi Gras are king cakes, Mardi Gras masks, parades, Mardi Gras throws, the fleur de lis, Mardi Gras beads, and the official colors of Mardi Gras. Head to our Mardi Gras symbols guide for an in depth look at the history and meanings behind the symbols of Mardi Gras . 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. The essence of Mardi Gras lies in its parades. Each parade, from little walking krewes to large processions with elaborate floats, follows a different theme, displaying the originality and energy of New Orleans. Notable parades to watch out for include: No Mardi Gras experience is complete without Mardi Gras in New Orleans is quite the spectacle - but there are a lot of hidden secrets and behind-the-scenes magic that bring the celebration to life. Ever wondered what the most coveted throws of Carnival are, or why an array of colorful ladders line St. Charles Avenue? Learn all about Mardi Gras in New Orleans with these 12 fun facts. Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience–embrace the chaos, catch some beads, and let the good times roll. For more information on Mardi Gras, view our Mardi Gras Bucket List and FAQs. To get prepared, see our Mardi Gras Lingo. And explore more of everything that goes into making Mardi Gras in the video below: In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious What does Mardi Gras mean? Translated to English, "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means "fat." This name comes from the custom of eating all the fatty, rich foods in the house prior to Lent in order to prepare for fasting and abstinence. So, Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. There is a story and a purpose behind everything you’ll experience during Carnival Time – from the king cake you’ll eat to the flambeaux who light the 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. 2025 mardi gras information Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) is finalizing preparations for the 2025 Mardi Gras season. To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, residents and visitors are urged to follow regulations regarding barricades, street closures, parking, and public safety. 3. There's A Reason The Cherished Mardi Gras Confection Is Called "King Cake." King Cake didn't get its name fortuitously. The name "King Cake" was inspired by the Bible story about Three Wise Men, who traveled with gifts for Baby Jesus on the Twelfth Night. Traditionally, the cake is first served on King's Day, January 6th, and continues being served up until the eve of Mardi Gras "to Downtown Pensacola boasts two Mardi Gras Parades, the Illuminated Parade on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Fun tip: If you love the Mardi Gras floats, head to Spring street early to get a closer look! The street is closed, but be mindful that floats are being pulled in and out, so be on the * Coastal Mississippi makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in the 2025 Mardi Gras Schedule. Event dates and details are provided by our Tourism Partners and are subject to change or cancellation by the event host/organizer. Rayne Mardi Gras Parade will roll on February 15 at 2 pm down the Boulevard and a cook off to follow at the Rayne Civic Center; MARCH 2, 2025. Courir de Mardi Gras and parade in Church Point Mardi Gras Fun Facts – 75 Mardi Gras Fun Facts . Here are 75 fun facts about Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, and Pancake Day. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold, which represent justice, faith, and power, respectively. The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took place in 1837. Two additional dates of historic importance in New Orleans Mardi Gras lore are 1875, the year the State of Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal state holiday, and 1889, the year of the first documented reference of women exposing their breasts at the event, reported by a Times-Democrat reporter who observed, “the degree of immodesty Asheville Mardi Gras will host its 18th annual parade on March 2 in downtown Asheville. The parade will begin at 3:05 p.m. at the corner of Short Coxe and Coxe Avenues. This year's parade theme is Hardy is the founder of the award-winning Mardi Gras Guide magazine, which has sold nearly 2 million copies to subscribers in all 50 states and 27 foreign countries, since 1977.
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