Mardi Gras and Carnival refer to eating more decadent, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent. In France, this festive season comes with sumptuous public celebrations or parades (‘les carnavals‘) in many French towns and schools. 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 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 celebration of Mardi Gras came to North America from France where it had been celebrated since the Middle Ages. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. For kids, Mardi Gras in France is like Halloween without trick or treating for candy. Mardi Gras in France isn’t just for adults. Every year, Primary schools across France celebrate Carnival by hosting a mini carnival party where parents can watch their children parade around in their Mardi Gras costumes. 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. The most famous Mardi Gras carnival for North Americans is the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, which still keeps the French name given its past heritage. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, and refers to the celebration beginning after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and up to Ash Wednesday. It is called Fat Tuesday because On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. When Is Mardi Gras In France. Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival, is a festive season that occurs before the start of Lent. The exact date of Mardi Gras changes every year, but it always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. In 2021, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on February 16th. Mardi Gras is a public holiday in many countries, including France. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a celebration steeped in rich history and diverse cultural traditions. While most commonly associated with New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras has deep roots in France and is celebrated in various forms around the world. One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras celebrations is the King’s cake, a [&hellip In 1703, French colonists in Mobile, Alabama, celebrated the first recorded Mardi Gras in North America, and in 1718, New Orleans was established, eventually becoming the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. The Evolution of Mardi Gras in New Orleans Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras in French, is a celebration traditionally held before the observance of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Christian Lenten season. Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images. 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. 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. In Canada, the celebration of mardi gras is similar to that of the French: large floats float down the street, beads are thrown, and jazz music is played all night. This festival, also known as Carnaval de Québec , officially begins on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) and ends on Monday, March 3rd, the following Monday. Mardi Gras is not just for humans; New Orleans hosts a "Krewe of Barkus" parade, where dogs don costumes and join the fun. The largest Mardi Gras float ever built was over 330 feet long and carried more than 200 riders. Mardi Gras in Popular Culture. Mardi Gras has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in movies, music, and literature. Although the date of the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is debatable, the 1730 account of one Marc-Antoine Caillot (a young clerk sent to Louisiana by the French Company of the Indies) mentions a celebration with music and dance, mask-wearing and costumes—including cross-dressing. Through this tradition, certain dishes and foods have become staples during the carnival season and for mardi gras in France. 1) Les Beignets de Mardi Gras (Mardi gras donuts) One very popular type of mardi gras food in France eaten during the carnival season are carnival donuts, “les beignets” (pronounced Lay-Ben-YAY) or beignets de Carnaval. 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. However, for Nancy, Mardi Gras is a true celebration of family, community, and food, so be sure to snack on some Mickey-shaped beignets at Scat Cat's Club during your stay and make some new friends as you celebrate the spirit of the season! Like we say in New Orleans, there's no such thing as a stranger, only friends we haven't met yet!
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