Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Paris. As expected, the capital city of France puts on a grand event for locals and tourists to celebrate Mardi Gras together. Like many of its sister festivals, the Carnaval de Paris has a long and rich history (as pictured in Claude Monet’s Carnaval boulevard des Capucines from 1873) but took a long hiatus between 2952 and 1997. Luckily for “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, also known as Carnival, is an annual celebration in France that takes place the week before Ash Wednesday. It is a time of feasting and merrymaking, and people often wear costumes and masks. This year, Mardi Gras falls on February 25th. In Paris, Mardi Gras celebrations will be taking place all over the city. The City of Paris decided to double up the fun and do both the Carnival of Paris for Mardi Gras in March, and a 2nd one in May for the Fête de Charivari. Between 1952-1997 there was no Carnival in Paris, and even now most Parisians probably don’t know that there is a carnival in Paris in March. The origins of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras traces its roots to ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia, which involved feasting and revelry. With the advent of Christianity, these traditions were adapted into Carnival—a period of indulgence before the austerity of Lent. Mardi Gras specifically refers to the day before Ash Wednesday, when people Belgium's best-known Mardi Gras celebration dates back to the 14th century in the Carnival of Binche, which features the Gilles, a group of about 1,000 men who dress up in linen suits traditionally designed with the colors of the Belgian flag. Unlike today’s short-lived celebration, the Paris Carnival used to stretch over several months, from Epiphany to Lent, culminating in the grand finale on Fat Tuesday (Mardi-Gras). Everyone took part—from workers to students, from guilds to high society. The streets transformed into a theatre of masks, floats, and unbridled revelry. -Hey, is it Mardi Gras? Are you dressed up like a carnival? said Dame Ginette to Jacqouille and Messire Godefroy in Les Visiteurs! And yes, the festive tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages is back in Paris! This Sunday, March 2, is the date for the new edition of Carnaval de Paris, with the theme of love, peace and joy! What Does Mardi Gras Mean? Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” 1) Courir de Mardi Gras (the Fat Tuesday run) is a traditional Mardi Gras event held in many Cajun and Creole communities of French Louisiana, brought there by French explorers. Some Courir de Mardi Gras celebrations use whips to help maintain order among the travellers. The whippings are not violent in any way. 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 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 What does Mardi Gras mean? In French, Mardi means “Tuesday” and gras means “fat.” That’s why the day is also referred to as Fat Tuesday. The word originated in France and was what people used to describe the day before Ash Wednesday, when they would binge on rich foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and cheese before Lent began. “Mardi Gras is not a parade. Mardi Gras is not girls flashing on French Quarter balconies. Mardi Gras is not an alcoholic binge.” — Chris Rose “Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue in New Orleans on Mardi Gras = bad idea!” — Nikki Sixx “C’mon take me to the Mardi Gras, where the people sing and play.” — Paul Simon “Mardi Gras, baby. Whether you celebrate Mardi Gras for its connection to Christian traditions, its cultural significance, or simply for the fun and revelry, it remains an enduring and beloved festival. In places like New Orleans, Mardi Gras has become a symbol of the city’s identity, representing unity, diversity, and the joy of living life to the fullest. As From the grand parades in Nice to the traditional “beignets” and “crêpes,” Mardi Gras in France is a testament to the country’s love for festivity, tradition, and, of course, gastronomy. Where to Celebrate. Nice: The Carnival of Nice is arguably the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in France. It boasts magnificent parades, both day Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025. Mardi Gras is more than an event—it’s an experience. Whether you’re tasting your first King Cake, dancing to a brass band on Frenchmen Street, collecting a bag full of signature throws, or marveling at the creativity of a parade float, every moment immerses you in the spirit of New Orleans. 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 Discover the rich symbolism of Mardi Gras in this engaging article that goes beyond the festive parades and lively music. Explore how Mardi Gras embodies cultural heritage, community spirit, and themes of renewal and joy. From its origins in ancient pagan celebrations to modern-day traditions in New Orleans and beyond, learn about the significance of masks, beads, and King Cake. Celebrate life Mardi Gras has a significant impact on the communities that celebrate it, both culturally and economically. It brings people together and boosts local economies through tourism and events. Mardi Gras generates millions of dollars in revenue for New Orleans each year, thanks to tourism, parades, and related events.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |