Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras History

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, reflects the practice of indulging in rich, fatty foods preceding the Lenten season's commencement, a period of fasting and penitence. The Observance holds different meanings in various cultures, yet the universal essence lies in the spirit of festivity and merriment. Parades, masked balls, and public revelry are traditional elements. Furthermore, wearing costumes and masks, the chanting of customary songs, and decorated float processions led by symbolic kings and queens further exhibit the flamboyance of this celebration.

The roots of Mardi Gras can be traced back to Medieval Europe, France in particular. Eventually, the French explorers brought the festival to Louisiana in the late 17th century. For the French people, Mardi Gras became synonymous with the "feast of the boeuf gras" (fatted calf), where a young boy would guide a decorated and fattened veal through the town. From there, it evolved into a more elaborate celebration, incorporating street processions, masquerade balls, and the concept of 'throws', where colourful beads and tokens are thrown to the spectators by the parade participants.

In France, Mardi Gras customs have undergone modern transformations but have remained true to traditional roots. Various towns and cities, such as Nice and Dunkirk, celebrate by organizing flamboyant parades and bestow their unique cultural touches to the proceedings. Costumes, colourful floats, and confetti add the vibrant hues of joy to the event. For instance, the Nice Carnival is one of France's biggest Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring giant papier-mâché puppets. This festive season usually culminates the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten period in the Christian calendar. Thus, Mardi Gras serves as a lively farewell to richness and indulgence before Lent's austere observance.

Facts about Mardi Gras

• Some families eat a festive King Cake on Mardi Gras. Although it is traditionally served on Epiphany, many cultures, especially the people of Louisiana, savor the sweet cake the night before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras cakes are often decorated with a toy baby to represent the baby Jesus.
• Green, gold, and purple are the official colors of Mardi Gras, and they all have roots in Christianity. Green represents faith, while purple symbolizes justice. Gold stands for power.
• Mardi Gras is not celebrated as an official church holiday, but is celebrated because the following day starts Lent, a 40-day period of preparation and penitence before Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, so Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday", is often the last day that people may indulge before beginning dietary restrictions. In Roman Catholic tradition, the faithful refrain from eating meat during Lent except on Sundays. Fish is acceptable in some Latin American countries.
• Mardi Gras was a popular celebration among French royalty during the Renaissance. The French King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, held Mardi Gras balls and processions at the Palace of Versailles.
• Music is an integral part of the celebrations. From marching bands and samba dance groups to independent musicians, music contributes to the lively atmosphere underpinning Mardi Gras celebrations.

In the News and Trending in France for Mardi Gras

Top things to do in France for Mardi Gras

• Make your own King cake and serve it to your family and friends.
• Wear purple, green, and gold beads to celebrate the day.
• Limoux Carnival: Known to be the longest carnival in the world, the Limoux Carnival in the Languedoc region of France runs for three months starting in January. It features traditional dances, confetti battles and parades.
• Carnaval de Nice: This event in Nice dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest and most popular carnival events in France. The event is marked with parades, float decorations, flower battles, and concerts.