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.” Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday. It's the holiday when households would traditionally consume all remaining foods that would be forbidden during Lent. Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' and is the celebratory carnival that leads up to the beginning of Lent, the season of fasting and penitence. English Translation of “MARDI GRAS” | The official Collins French-English Dictionary online. Over 100,000 English translations of French words and phrases. Les Dates de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Dates) Mardi Gras takes place 46 days before Easter (le Pâques) — that is, sometime between February 3 and March 9.Mardi Gras is the day before Lent (le carême), which begins on Ash Wednesday (le mercredi des Cendres). “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.” In 2023, Mardi gras is 21 February; in 2024, it will be 13 February.* The period leading up to Mardi Gras is called Carnaval , and the several-week festival is celebrated in New Orleans, Nice , Guadeloupe, and many other francophone (and non-francophone) cities, regions, and countries. 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. Mardi Gras (n.) "Shrove Tuesday, last day of carnival, day of eating and merrymaking before the fasting season of Lent," 1690s, French, literally "fat Tuesday," from mardi "Tuesday" (12c. in Old French, from Latin Martis diem "day of the planet Mars;" see Tuesday) + gras "fat," from Latin crassus, "thick," which is of unknown origin. 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. Signaling the end of the Carnival season, which climaxes on Mardi Gras, Lent lasts for 40 days until Easter (not counting Sundays). Because the day before Ash Wednesday was traditionally one of feasting, as symbolized by the Boeuf Gras, it came to be known as Fat Tuesday or, as the French would say, Mardi Gras. Baby Doll What does gras mean in French? English Translation. fat. More meanings for gras. fat noun: Mardi Gras: acide gras noun: fatty acid: corps gras: fat body: foies gras: What does bon mardi gras mean? Bon, in french, means good. Mardi Gras means 'Fat Tuesday.' Saying Bon Mardi Gras is the english equivilant to saying Happy Mardi Gras. What’s the Definition of Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras is actually a French phrase. The phrase literally translates to “Fat Tuesday,” with the word “Mardi” meaning “Tuesday” and “Gras” meaning “fat.” Here is the definition of Mardi Gras as we currently understand it: Mardi Gras definition: . See examples of MARDI GRAS used in a sentence. But what does the word mean in French? Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French - it is also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday in other cultures. Mardi gras translate: Shrove Tuesday. Learn more in the Cambridge French-English Dictionary. What does bon mardi gras mean? Bon, in french, means good. Mardi Gras means 'Fat Tuesday.' Saying Bon Mardi Gras is the english equivilant to saying Happy Mardi Gras. Mardi Meaning: The literal meaning of the “mardi,” the French day of the week for Tuesday, is “Day of Mars,” or “Mars’s Day,” from Latin Dies Martis (day of Mars). It’s named after the Roman god Mars, who was associated with war and is the equivalent of the planet Mars in the solar system. The use of Mardi Gras colors in parade floats adds an extra layer of meaning and symbolism to the celebrations, reflecting the city’s commitment to creativity, self-expression, and joy. The Role of Mardi Gras Colors in Costumes and Decorations The Role of Mardi Gras Colors in Costumes and Decorations
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |