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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] Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi Carnival - Begins on Epiphany, January 6 (the 12th day of Christmas) and runs through Lent. Mardi Gras - French for “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday - The first day of Lent. Lent - The 40-day period leading up to Easter . Easter - The Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection into Heaven Now, Mardi Gras always falls on the Tuesday before Lent, but Three Kings' Day (January 6), is both the official end of Christmas and the first day of the Carnival season. The origin of king cakes and the funny baby tradition can also be traced to Saturnalia. This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in the United States. How is the date of Mardi Gras determined each year? Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” does not fall on the same day every year, but it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. 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. 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 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 The date of Mardi Gras is 41 days before Easter Sunday, whose date varies from year to year. It is followed by Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins. Historically, Mardi Gras is the day for eating up the last of the rich foods that remain in the house and for having a big celebration before a long period of discipline and repentance. While New Orleans may be most known for Mardi Gras in the U.S. today, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America’s very first Mardi Gras in 1703. Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans soon after the city’s founding in 1718. The first recorded Mardi Gras street parade in New Orleans took place in 1837. The idea behind Mardi Gras or carnival celebrations is that people overindulge before giving up something for Lent, which begins the following day with Ash Wednesday. (Lent is the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting.) SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS? by Shawn Brasseaux Should we as Christians celebrate Mardi Gras? Firstly, we need to define what “Mardi Gras” is, and then we need to search the Scriptures to see whether or not such a holiday is Biblical. As always, my goal is not to attack or condemn anyone, but to The festival season varies from city to city, with some traditions treating only the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras. Others, such as the one in New Orleans, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas which begins Epiphany) to Ash Wednesday. Cultural Significance: Over time, Mardi Gras evolved into a cultural phenomenon that transcended its religious origins, embracing a spirit of inclusivity and artistic expression. The celebration of Mardi Gras served as a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, offering a moment of collective jubilation and creative exuberance. King Cakes are more than just a tasty treat; they symbolize the spirit of the season and are a fun way for friends and families to come together during Mardi Gras. Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? The celebration of Mardi Gras has evolved over the centuries, but at its core, it remains a celebration of life, community, and indulgence. Originally What is the origin of Mardi Gras, and what does it celebrate? You may already know that Mardi Gras comes right before Lent, which is the season leading up to Easter. But Mardi Gras history actually extends all the way back to the days before Christianity in Ancient Rome, and has roots in pagan spring festivals. Like there are “pagan” elements to both Christmas (Christmas trees) and Easter (the Easter bunny), Mardi Gras can most directly trace its roots to pagan celebrations of spring time and fertility. History also suggests that before a period of fasting each year, Romans would spend a day overindulging in the things they would have to give up New Orleanians who do it right never have to worry about post-Christmas letdown. That's because the day that to most of the world is the twelfth and final day of Christmas is recognized here as Twelfth Night , the first day of the Carnival season. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a lively celebration that takes place before the season of Lent in many parts of the world, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana. This festive occasion is marked by colorful parades, lively music, and fun costumes. The 507 Mardi Gras Party is open to all ages with free entry to the first 100 guests and anyone 12 years old or younger. After that, $10 per person. There’s a cash bar –or get the unlimited Mardi Gras drink package! Details and tickets here The mile-long Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf is the largest in the District. Photo: Courtesy The Wharf
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