A Mardi Gras parade on Royal Street in Mobile during the 2006 season. Mobile, founded by Bienville in 1702, is known for having the oldest organized Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, beginning in 1703. [9] It was also host to the first formally organized Mardi Gras parade in the United States in 1830. [9] As the date of Easter changes each year so does the date of Mardi Gras. The earliest date Mardi Gras can be is Tuesday 3rd February and the latest date is Tuesday March 9th. Mardi Gras is a legal state holiday in Louisiana. In Alabama, it is a holiday in Baldwin and Mobile Counties only. History of Mardi Gras Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. However, elaborate carnival festivities draw crowds in other parts of the United States during the Mardi Gras season as well While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, the holiday is celebrated across the globe, from North America, to South America, Europe and Asia. 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 (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] Holidays in the United States 2025. Holidays in the United States 2026. Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent (for Western Christians), 47 days before Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday is also called Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Pancake Day. Is Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras a Public Holiday? Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2025 is a 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 Mardi Gras holiday is tied to Easter, because Easter marks the end of Lent. And since the date of Easter is determined by the first full moon after the spring equinox, it changes each year, shifting the date of Mardi Gras, too. Also good to know: the Mardi Gras season actually begins in January, with the start of Carnival. In the Mardi Gras is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that ends the festive season. What do the Mardi Gras colors represent? According to Mardi Gras New Orleans, the holiday's colors have a meaning New Orleans is the most famous city for Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, but Mobile, Alabama, claims to have the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the country, dating back to 1703. Mardi Gras Traditions. Mardi Gras is known for its unique and lively traditions. 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 Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more holiday tips, fun facts, humor, cleaning, travel and tech all week long. After Mardi Gras made its way to the United States, masked balls 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 While Mardi Gras is celebrated in various forms around the world, it is most famously associated with New Orleans, Louisiana. Over the centuries, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has evolved into a grand and extravagant celebration, deeply rooted in the city’s unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The New Orleans version Mardi Gras Day - Louisiana Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras Mardi Gras - AL: Mobile and Baldwin Counties Shrove Tuesday - FL: in counties celebrating Shrove Tuesday February 10 Ash Wednesday The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras, which began as a religious holiday, has become a weeks-long celebration, one that gives millions the opportunity to let loose and over-indulge before Lent, a 40-day season of prayer The Mardi Gras season known as "Carnival" commences Monday, Jan. 6, around two months ahead of the annual Mardi Gras Day. The French holiday maintains a presence in the U.S. with Americans holding 4205 Ryan Street Lake Charles, LA 70609 337-475-5640 communications@mcneese.edu
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