Mardi Gras: A Brief History

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festival that is celebrated in many countries around the world, but is most famously associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is held on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is a time of revelry, parades, and parties, and is known for its colorful costumes, elaborate floats, and lively music.

Origins of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient Roman celebrations of Saturnalia and Lupercalia, as well as the medieval Christian feasts of Epiphany and the pre-Lenten celebrations. When French settlers brought the tradition to the New World, it evolved into the elaborate and flamboyant festival that we know today.

Traditions and Customs

One of the most famous aspects of Mardi Gras is the tradition of "king cake," a sweet pastry that is decorated in the colors of Mardi Gras - purple, green, and gold. A small plastic baby, representing the baby Jesus, is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year. Mardi Gras is also known for its colorful parades, with participants wearing masks and costumes, and throwing beads, trinkets, and other treats to the crowds.