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Musicians wearing weird masks and playing loudly, often out of tune, march through the waking town. Today is Mardi Gras. That's French for Fat Tuesday. The same Mardi Gras celebrated in New Orleans. After six days of Carnevale celebrations, this is the climax. Lenten fasting starts tomorrow, but today's for bingeing on all that's fun and tasty. The Swiss carnival season, also known as Fasnacht in Switzerland’s German-speaking areas, is when chaos and merriment reign. The tradition has varying oral origins: as an old Germanic sacrificial practice, a time to let loose before the penitential period of Lent, a festival to drive away demons, and a celebration marking the end of winter. Another Carnival is the Fastnacht, celebrated by the Swabian and Alemannic people in the Baden-Württemberg region. India. India's Goa Carnival is one of Asia's few Mardi Gras celebrations, dating back to 1510 from Goa's former occupation by Portugal. The Goa Carnival has some elements similar to the Hindu festival of Holi. Switzerland’s carnival hotspots have elaborate parades featuring masked marching bands. Meanwhile, some small towns have more peculiar rituals. Contrary to popular belief, the roots of Swiss carnival traditions are not based on Pagan rituals to chase away winter. (There are numerous traditions in Switzerland to chase away winter, however.) In general, Carnival covers the period between Epiphany (6 January) and Shrove Tuesday (whose date can vary between 3 February and 9 March), but most activities take place during the final six days. The first of these days is known in French-speaking Valais as Jeudi Gras (“Fat Thursday”) and the last day as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”). The Basel Fasnacht is Switzerland’s most famous carnival, characterized by its deep-rooted traditions and focus on satire. Unlike other carnivals filled with vibrant colors and samba rhythms, Basel Fasnacht is known for its mysterious atmosphere, featuring masked participants, hand-painted lanterns, and performances that critique local and international politics and society. Additionally, there are some fire rituals that remain associated with Fasnacht in some areas of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria that supposedly have their origins in the Roman New Year’s festival celebrated on March 1. The fires were thought to help chase away the darkness of winter and force the coming of spring. Taking place over 72 hours exactly the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Ash Wednesday, Basel's celebrations-called Fasnacht-are Switzerland's biggest and best Carnival. The festivities kick off at 4 a.m. with a dramatic parade of pipers & drummers illuminated by lanterns and fill the next three days with satirical songs, more parade, masked Les Gilles de Binche celebrating Mardi Gras in Binche, Belgium. Mark Renders/Stringer/Getty Images 4. Binche, Belgium. Celebrated south of Brussels in Belgium’s Hainaut province from March 2-4, the Carnival of Binche centers on the area’s unique folklore. You may have seen its concluding March of the Gilles, which takes place on Mardi Gras. Known in German Switzerland under the name of "schenkeli," these "ladies' thighs" are a great accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffe. - View the recipe. Merveilles Carnival "merveilles" come from an old Basel tradition dating back to the 15th century. The recipe later spread throughout Switzerland and to southwestern France. - View the recipe New Orleans rules the roost when it comes to all things Mardi Gras, celebrated in elaborate style each year on Fat Tuesday – March 4 this year — the day before Ash Wednesday. Switzerland Hands up who thought Mardi Gras was a New Orleans tradition? There’s no denying that the Louisiana city has become synonymous with the festival, but actually, Mardi Gras was originally a European tradition. The French introduced Mardi Gras (the name translates as Fat Tuesday) to the U.S. in 1703, but they’d already been partying since at least the 13th century. But the tradition goes back 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 What is Mardi Gras? 4 Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Cleveland. Enjoy These New Orleans-inspired Restaurants. Try These Delicious Cajun & Creole Dishes. Toast With These Classic New Orleans Cocktails. King Cakes, Beignets, Pączki, and more, Oh my. Mardi Gras & Fat Tuesday Events in Cleveland 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. What is the history of Mardi Gras? Shrove Tuesday was born out of Anglo-Saxon Christians being absolved from their sins after 40 days of fasting before Easter (which we call lent). Is Mardi Gras celebrated in other countries? While New Orleans has made a name for itself in terms of Mardi Gras, other countries also celebrate the event, including France, Italy, Brazil, Germany Mardi Gras is the last and "biggest day of celebration," according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. Carnival celebrations begin on "Twelfth Night," also known as the Epiphany, which falls on Monday The celebration of Mardi Gras has evolved over the centuries, but at its core, it remains a celebration of life, community, and indulgence. Originally rooted in religious traditions, Mardi Gras serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods, drink, and revelry before the fasting and solemnity of Lent. 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
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