AKA Name | Fat Tuesday |
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HashtagsCompiled on | #MardiGras, #MardiGras2024 |
Related Hashtags | #NewOrleans, #NOLA |
2024 Date | February 13, 2024 |
2025 Date | March 4, 2025 |
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a widely-recognized tradition observed globally. Its purpose is to celebrate rich, indulgent foods before the commencement of Lent’s fasting period in Christian faith. With its grand parades, flamboyant masks and costumes, and festive gatherings, Mardi Gras symbolizes a final, joyous binge before the solemnity of Lent. Mardi Gras incorporates various elements such as bead-tossing, music, and dance. The quintessential beads, typically purple, green, and gold, represent justice, faith, and power, respectively. Mardi Gras, introduced to America in the late 17th century by French explorers, had its origins in Medieval Europe. Initially celebrated in Mobile, Alabama, it later found its most famous home in New Orleans, Louisiana. The celebration's important aspects were maintained, although it underwent natural cultural adaptations that molded the American version of Mardi Gras. The event became a significant fusion of different cultures and traditions, prominently featuring communities' local practices, music, and cuisine. In America, Mardi Gras is widely celebrated, especially in southern states like Louisiana and Alabama. It includes both family-friendly and adult events, characterized by extravagant parades with elaborate floats, marching bands, and carnival krewes. The parties, balls, and King Cake parties are also a significant part of the celebration - the person who finds a small plastic baby in the cake is crowned "king" or "queen" and must host the next year's party. While Mardi Gras parties may begin as early as January 6 (Twelfth Night), the main event is always the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season in the Christian calendar. Facts about Mardi Gras
Top things to do in the US for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras references and related siteswww.history.com: Roots of Mardi Gras www.neworleans.com: New Orleans Mardi-Gras |
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