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In rural Cajun areas, Mardi Gras is celebrated the way other places celebrate Halloween, with costumed disguises and going from house to house begging for treats. Oranges fly everywhere and Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, Louisiana, the holiday is celebrated across the globe, from North America, to South America, Europe and Asia. Though Mardi Gras is technically a religious holiday, its modern celebrations often emphasize the fun, festive, and communal aspects of the occasion, featuring parades, costumes, music, and a general sense of revelry. While Mardi Gras is celebrated in various forms around the world, it is perhaps most famously associated with New Orleans While Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, few places are more synonymous with the holiday than New Orleans. The city has been celebrating Mardi Gras since the 18th Century, when the 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. “Mardi gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit.” (Mardi Gras is in the rain; winter is running away.) “Quand Mardi gras est là alors enlevez vos balances et faites vos crêpes.” (When Mardi Gras is here, take out your scales and make your pancakes.) “Si le soleil luit tôt le matin, semailles de Mardi gras vont bien.” Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in France. Marking the culmination of the Carnival season, it’s a time for indulgence, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s dive into its origins, folklore, modern festivities, and culinary delights. The origins of Mardi Gras 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. Seas of purple, gold, and green (symbolizing justice, power, and faith) can be seen everywhere. Mardi Gras Parade Krewes select their kings of Mardi Gras and put on elaborate float parades in their communities. No celebration would be complete without food and drink, though, and Mardi Gras is no exception. Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration originating from ancient traditions, peaks in New Orleans with parades and revelry. This year's festivities will occur until March 4. (AP Photo/Andrew J. Cohoon Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. The Mardi Gras traditions show off New Orleans’ rich culture. Get ready to be wowed by the creativity and passion that make this celebration so special! The Rich History Behind Mardi Gras Celebrations. The history of Mardi Gras is a captivating story that spans centuries and continents. It started as a simple feast before Lent in medieval Europe. “Mardi Gras is a state of mind.” — Ed Muniz “An American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans.” — Mark Twain “There’s nothing like Mardi Gras it’s something you have to experience.” — Bryan Batt “In New Orleans, we celebrate everything. Where Is Mardi Gras Celebrated? Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, but the favorite is in New Orleans, Louisiana. Significant Mardi Gras festivities take place in other U.S. cities including Mobile, Alabama, and Galveston, Texas. Brazil (Carnival), Italy (Carnevale) and France all have their versions of the celebration. Mardi Gras isn't just for adults – there's plenty of fun for the whole family too! You'll find numerous kid-friendly activities that capture the excitement of the season. SeaWorld San Diego hosts a special Mardi Gras celebration with family-oriented parades, face painting, and interactive shows featuring sea creatures. Your little ones will Gotti’s Cajun and Creole restaurant in EaDo is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Get ready for a night of festive food, music, and fun in one of Houston's most vibrant neighborhoods. Join the celebration with these festive Mardi Gras captions and sayings perfect for Instagram. Whether in New Orleans or at home, capture the carnival spirit! Everywhere else is Cleveland However, Carnival in Brazil is a much larger and more widespread celebration than Mardi Gras. Additionally, while Mardi Gras is a single day event, Carnival in Brazil lasts for several days. Every year, the streets of Brazilian cities are filled with life during Carnival. There are street musicians and dancers everywhere.
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