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 comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” for the last time this Carnival season. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans 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. The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience 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 is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, filling foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Try these festive Mardi Gras appetizers before the fasting begins! That goes for your Mardi Gras party menu, too! Whether it's a feast worthy of Fat Tuesday or a humble bowl of gumbo, you can't go wrong. Our selection of festive foods includes New Orleans classics, such as the muffuletta and bread pudding, peppered with nontraditional picks like Crawfish Beignets and Cajun Chicken Pasta. To customize the recipe for your Mardi Gras party, add purple, green and gold sprinkles to the whipped cream before serving. Or color the powdered sugar with decorating dust and dust the platter in three different waves. Ready in a little over 30 minutes, these bites are the easiest way to add the fancy factor to any Mardi Gras party. Get the Crab Cake Bites recipe. 2 Cornbread-Stuffed Mussels. For more Mardi Gras party ideas, check out all our favorite Mardi Gras food recipes, including all the best Mardi Gras appetizers to accompany all those cocktails. 1 Bourbon Milk Punch. Bacchus Bash: A big all-day Mardi Gras block party on Super Sunday (the Sunday before Mardi Gras) featuring live music, DJs, and VIP open bar ticket options. Orpheuscapade: A black-tie affair hosted at the Convention Center, with table seating, drink set-ups, and up-close parade viewing. What do you wear to a Mardi Gras party? Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have some fun. The dress code for Mardi Gras parties can range from casual to dressy depending on the event you are attending. For casual Mardi Gras events, think bright colors, masks, and fun outfits like jumpsuits or rompers. Here's what we know about the upcoming dates and more for Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter: Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox What to wear to a Mardi Gras party, social dance, parade, dinner or session is a challenge. Due to the different traditions Mardi Gras outfits vary regionally. But don’t worry! This post briefly explains what Mardi Gras refers to, and who celebrates this holiday, and provides the historic background. Some call it Carnival, but in New Orleans the festive celebration is called Mardi Gras, and it's always a party--a big party. The season of Carnival starts on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday, otherwise known as "Fat Tuesday," which in French is "Mardi Gras."
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |