In 1875, the state of Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal holiday. [37] Economic, political, and weather conditions sometimes led to the cancellation of some or all of the major parades, especially during the American Civil War, World War I and World War II, but Carnival has always been observed in the city in some way. [37] Mardi Gras is observed only in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. All other State Employees are granted one personal leave day each year if in employment status on January 1. In 1875, Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal state holiday. [5] War, economic, political, and weather conditions sometimes led to cancellation of some or all major parades, especially during the American Civil War, World War I and World War II, but the city has always celebrated Carnival. [5] Mardi Gras was celebrated soon after the city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, but was briefly banned when the Spanish took control of New Orleans until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812 Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a 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 1. Louisiana celebrates “Mardi Gras” as a state holiday, which honors the traditional Carnival celebration that takes place annually in the state. Mardi Gras is a significant cultural event in Louisiana, particularly in cities like New Orleans and Lafayette, where parades, parties, and festivities commemorate the occasion. 2. In 1875, the Louisiana State Legislature declared Mardi Gras a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana. [1] The holiday is observed on the day before Ash Wednesday (also known as Fat Tuesday). [2] [3] [4] Establishing the state holiday made it possible for people to celebrate Mardi Gras legally, including suspending laws against concealing one Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2025 is a state holiday in 4 states and an observance, christian in 47 states. Feathered masks and colorful beads represent carnival parades in Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. 10. Mardi Gras Is A State Holiday. Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana and has been since 1875. It's a good thing, because no one's going to get much work done on Fat Tuesday. New Orleans may have the biggest celebration and draw the most visitors, but most communities hold a parade or some kind of party. State Holiday Calendar. Home / Division Offices / Office of Human Resources / State Holiday Calendar Mardi Gras: March 4, 2025: Good Friday: April 18, 2025 State Holiday Calendar. Home / Division Offices / Office of Human Resources / State Holiday Calendar Mardi Gras: March 4, 2025: Good Friday: April 18, 2025 MISS. CODE ANN. § 3-3-7: (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, the following are declared to be legal holidays, viz: the first day of January (New Year’s Day); the third Monday of January (Robert E. Lee’s birthday and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday); the third Monday of February (Washington’s birthday); the last Monday of April (Confederate Holiday (1 day) Mardi Gras: Monday, February 12, 2024: Holiday (1 day) McNeese State University | 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605 | 800-622-3352. 4205 Ryan Street Lake Charles, LA 70609 337-475-5640 communications@mcneese.edu Mardi Gras weekend is an extraordinary blend of culture, cuisine, and community that attracts visitors from near and far. Whether you're indulging in the culinary delights, dancing to live music, or enjoying the breathtaking winter landscape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. State holidays for Louisiana are listed below for current and future years. Mardi Gras is also celebrated throughout Louisiana. 2025 Holidays. Date Day Holiday; Galvez Building, 12th Floor - 602 North Fifth Street PO Box 91154. Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9154 - 225-342-4999 - 800-256-2397 - 225-342-2831 (Fax) Mardi Gras was celebrated soon after the city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, but was briefly banned when the Spanish took control of New Orleans until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812 Mardi Gras is always the final Tuesday of the Carnival season. Although Carnival season always begins on the same date, January 6, Fat Tuesday is always the Tuesday that falls 46 days before the Easter holiday. For example, Mardi Gras 2024 is on Tuesday, February 13th. Mardi Gras 2025 will take place on Tuesday, March 4th. 18.
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