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 French translation for Mardi Gras is "fat Tuesday". Why do people have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? The tradition was born out of followers trying to use up all their fats and eggs before Lent. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, falls on March 4 this year and gives people one last night to party before the official start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. What is Fat Tuesday? As this is the last day of the Christian liturgical season historically known as Carnival or Shrovetide, before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term Mardi Gras is Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday, takes place annually on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday—the beginning of the Christian observance of Lent, which lasts about 6 weeks and ends just before Easter. This means that Mardi Gras is a moveable holiday that can take place in either February or March. 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. Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, the end of Carnival. Mardi Gras has many names. Mardi Gras also called Shrove Tuesday, stemming from the practice of "shriving," or purifying oneself through Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras 2025. Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, is a celebration that marks the final day before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday. In 2025, it falls on March 4. But what exactly is it? Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent in Western Christian churches) and is celebrated as the last day before the Lenten fast. Once associated with the confession of sins before Lent, the day acquired the character of a carnival in many places and is commonly observed by eating pancakes or other sweet foods. Mardi Gras—also known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, and Pancake Day—is celebrated all over the world as a last day of revelry before the solemn season of Lent. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls As this is the last day of the Christian liturgical season historically known as Carnival or Shrovetide, before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term Mardi Gras is Also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday has a rich history in both the U.S. and across the world and represents a day when Catholics and other Christians come together in celebration before the more subdued observance of Lent. Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras History in New Orleans. Fat Tuesday in America predates the birth of the U.S. In France, the day evolved to Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, and the French settlers brought the tradition to the Americas and New Orleans specifically. In places like Brazil and Italy, Shrove Tuesday became part of Carnival, another party season before Lent. These festivities have grown into some of the most famous celebrations in the world. Mardi Gras is another name for Shrove Tuesday, and it’s a day of general excess and merrymaking for the same reason: it’s the final day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. You’ve also likely heard of carnival in relation to Mardi Gras, which comes from carnelevare, or “a removing of meat.” As the last day before Lent (for Western Christians), Shrove Tuesday falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday is a holiday in addition to Fat Tuesday and Pancake Day. Most major parades are held on Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday, with carnivals and mardi gras parades occurring on those days. Over the years, Shrove Tuesday went beyond the religious, developing more popular or secularized traditions. In France, the day evolved to Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, and the French settlers brought the tradition to the Americas and New Orleans specifically. “Shrove” comes from the verb “to shrive” (to confess and receive absolution) prior to the start of the Lenten season. Hence, Shrove Tuesday on our unofficial church calendar. Mardi Gras Talent Show and Eucharist Donald Schell, founder of All Saints Company shares the following tradition: Carnaval Tuesday, March 4th 2025: Shrove Tuesday or Carnival Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent. It’s also known as Mardi Gras (in New Orleans), Fat Tuesday, or Pancake Day. It is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. Wednesday, March 5th 2025: Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras for the year 2026 is celebrated/ observed on Tuesday, February 17th. Mardi Gras known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday falls annually on the day before Ash Wednesday (start of Lent ). The word "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday" in the French language. We couldn't let the good times roll without offering some New Orleans-inspired meals to prepare you for the ultimate cheat day of decadence. Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, here, food and religion marry together for one last pre-Lent hurrah. Feel free to take your pick from these recipes—just indulge responsibly.
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