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 2025 falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Mardi Gras Day is March 4, 2025. Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The official start of Carnival Season is Twelfth Night, January 6. Book your hotel room now and Reserve your Mardi Gras package 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 Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a sedate French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, [3] Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in the late 17th century, when King Louis XIV sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiane, which included what are now the U.S. states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. As the date of Easter changes each year so does the date of Mardi Gras. The earliest date Mardi Gras can be is Tuesday 3rd February and the latest date is Tuesday March 9th. Mardi Gras is a legal state holiday in Louisiana. In Alabama, it is a holiday in Baldwin and Mobile Counties only. History of Mardi Gras The Mardi Gras season known as "Carnival" commences Monday, Jan. 6, around two months ahead of the annual Mardi Gras Day. The French holiday maintains a presence in the U.S. with Americans holding The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in southern Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans.Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of lent in the Western Christian tradition). Mardi Gras, which began as a religious holiday, has become a weeks-long celebration, one that gives millions the opportunity to let loose and over-indulge before Lent, a 40-day season of prayer 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. Purple stands for justice, gold for power, and green for faith. In 1875, Louisiana’s governor made Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana. Today, Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is an official holiday. When is Mardi Gras? Here are the dates for Mardi Gras 2010-2016. History of Mardi Gras The history of “Fat Tuesday”. The Story of Mardi Gras Another look at Mardi Gras. The Colors of Mardi Gras The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Mardi Gras Parades What’s a holiday without the Parade? “Throw me something Mardi Gras is always the final Tuesday of the Carnival season. Although Carnival season always begins on the same date, January 6, Fat Tuesday is always the Tuesday that falls 46 days before the Easter holiday. For example, Mardi Gras 2024 is on Tuesday, February 13th. Mardi Gras 2025 will take place on Tuesday, March 4th. 18. Welcome to the wild, mixed-up, festive and altogether weird world of hosting Mardi Gras, Portland. 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. Governor Warmoth from the Louisiana State Legislature signed the Mardi Gras Act of 1875, making Mardi Gras an official holiday in the state of Louisiana. In the early 1990s, Dorothy Mae Taylor (the first African American woman elected to the Louisiana Legislature) became known for her efforts to desegregate Mardi Gras . By the time Pope Gregory XIII made Mardi Gras an official Christian holiday in 1582, it little resembled Lupercalia of antiquity—except, perhaps, in those countries that had retained the orgiastic elements in defiance of the Church. As it turns out, many of those elements found their way to America. Photo/Blue Bayou via Facebook. The Blue Bayou is bringing “The Big Easy” to Chicago this Mardi Gras weekend with crawfish, cocktails, and cabaret!. The party kicks off on Saturday, March 1 with a crawfish boil in the afternoon, followed by an official Mardi Gras party and burlesque show in the evening. 1. Mardi Gras: While not an official state holiday, Mardi Gras is deeply ingrained in the culture of Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans. This celebration dates back to French colonial times and is known for its extravagant parades, vibrant costumes, and lively street parties. Mardi Gras Cajun Celebration Friday, February 28, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM Rowlett Community Centre (5300 Main St, Rowlett, TX 75088) Join us for a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration of Cajun culture. Enjoy a lively and festive atmosphere with traditional music, delicious cuisine and crafts and entertainment. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Cajun Jambalaya at Grace by Nia. ROBIN WINCHELL 2023. At Grace by Nia in Boston, indulge in a dish full of blackened jumbo shrimp, beef sausage, roasted chicken, crawfish, long grain rice
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