5 Sayings about Mardi-Gras in France. There are several proverbs and sayings about Mardi Gras in France. Here are five of them with their translation into English: “Quand Mardi gras est de vert vêtu, Pâques met des habits blancs.“ (When Mardi Gras is dressed in green, Easter is dressed in white.) 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. According to the Mardi Gras New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrations were common in the city by the 1730s, although the first recorded Mardi Gras parade didn’t float through the New Orlean’s In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America’s very first Mardi Gras. Though most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, LA–Mobile, AL began holding the festival in 1703, 15 years before it started in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi 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, 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 This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in the United States. How is the date of Mardi Gras determined each year? Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” does not fall on the same day every year, but it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The word "Mardi Gras" comes from the French phrase "Mardi Gras," meaning "Fat Tuesday." The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the United States took place in 1703 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The most famous Mardi Gras parade in the United States is the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, featuring colorful floats, costumed riders, and throws. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras. In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile), similar to those that form our current Mardi Gras krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Gras Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. Through this tradition, certain dishes and foods have become staples during the carnival season and for mardi gras in France. 1) Les Beignets de Mardi Gras (Mardi gras donuts) One very popular type of mardi gras food in France eaten during the carnival season are carnival donuts, “les beignets” (pronounced Lay-Ben-YAY) or beignets de Carnaval. In Canada, Mardi Gras is celebrated in a number of different ways. Some people celebrate by going to parades, while others hold Mardi Gras parties. Some of the most popular Mardi Gras celebrations in Canada take place in the cities of Toronto and Montreal. In contrast to other cities, Quebec City marks its own version of Mardi Gras. In 1703, French colonists in Mobile, Alabama, celebrated the first recorded Mardi Gras in North America, and in 1718, New Orleans was established, eventually becoming the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras. In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile), similar to those that form our current Mardi Gras krewes. As expected, the capital city of France puts on a grand event for locals and tourists to celebrate Mardi Gras together. Like many of its sister festivals, the Carnaval de Paris has a long and rich history (as pictured in Claude Monet’s Carnaval boulevard des Capucines from 1873) but took a long hiatus between 2952 and 1997. French for Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is always on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This year it will be held on Tuesday Feb. 13. Mardi Gras is only one day but the Mardi Gras season, also known as the carnival season, can last for weeks culminating on Fat Tuesday. Many people assume that New Orleans is the birthplace of Mardi Gras. However, many Origins in Medieval Europe. In medieval Europe, especially in France and Italy, the mardi gras culture began. People would eat rich foods and celebrate before Lent. The name Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French, the last day of feasting before Lent. Mardi Gras' origins can be traced back to France and Italy, but today, New Orleans is the largest and most famous place for the event. Is Mardi Gras celebrated in other countries? The most famous Mardi Gras carnival for North Americans is the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, which still keeps the French name given its past heritage. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, and refers to the celebration beginning after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and up to Ash Wednesday. It is called Fat Tuesday because 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.
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