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 Webber, a New Orleans native, said Mardi Gras isn’t just a party but a cultural celebration in Louisiana. Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more 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 much more than just a party; it is a celebration with deep historical, cultural, and spiritual roots. From its origins in ancient Roman festivals to its transformation into the vibrant celebration we see today, Mardi Gras has evolved into a unique blend of religious observance and cultural expression. 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 History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. Mardi Gras remains a big part of the culture in Mobile, Alabama, where two organizations oversee many of its balls and other events. Here, the Mobile Carnival Association's king and queen greet 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. As with most other holidays with a deep heritage, the traditions and customs of Mardi Gras evolved as it moved through countries, continents, and centuries and became the raucous, joy-filled Mardi Gras History and Traditions Learn about the famed celebration's cultural roots and traditions. Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. What does Mardi Gras mean? Translated to English, "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means "fat." This name comes from the custom of eating all the fatty, rich foods in the house prior to Lent in order to prepare for fasting and abstinence. So, Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras happens every year. It's the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday starts Lent for Christians. Lent is when people give things up. Mardi Gras is a big party before that. 'Mardi Gras' is French, and it means 'Fat Tuesday. Individuals tend to consume rich foods during the festival. This is because they will fast throughout Lent. Webber, a New Orleans native, said Mardi Gras isn’t just a party but a cultural celebration in Louisiana. Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more The second annual parade is part of the city's Mardi Gras festival- a cultural exchange with Evangeline Parish, Louisiana celebrating Cajun culture and customs. Legend 1050 KVPI is one of the Discover the rich symbolism of Mardi Gras in this engaging article that goes beyond the festive parades and lively music. Explore how Mardi Gras embodies cultural heritage, community spirit, and themes of renewal and joy. From its origins in ancient pagan celebrations to modern-day traditions in New Orleans and beyond, learn about the significance of masks, beads, and King Cake. Celebrate life 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). New Orleans Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant food scene. Cajun cuisine is at the heart of the celebration, making every meal unforgettable. You’ll taste the rich flavors of Louisiana’s culture. Unique Mardi Gras customs are celebrated through famous dishes. Gumbo, a seafood stew, is a Creole cooking staple. Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. Mardi Gras is a holiday known for beads, cocktails, and king cake, but do you know its origins? Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post 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. Mardi Gras is primarily a religious holiday, celebrated as the last day before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. Mardi Gras has deep roots in the Catholic Church and is considered a time for indulgence and celebration before the solemnity of Lent begins. Cultural Significance
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |