Mardi Gras is a celebratory day marking the close of the pre-Lenten season. It's celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday − which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday − according to brittanica.com.

For 40 days every spring, Christians observe the season of repentance and fasting known as Lent. In New Orleans, the change from Mardi Gras to Lent is striking.

This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4, 2025. The name Fat Tuesday comes from households using up all the fats stored in the kitchen and pantry before Ash Wednesday and Lent begin.

Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe, starting in Rome and making its way to France, she told USA TODAY Friday afternoon. The tradition then made its way through the colonies, and around 1699 ...

This means that Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent also change. Here's what to know about Easter 2025 and when Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent and Good ...

Mardi Gras, which is also known as Fat Tuesday, is a day of indulgence that marks the end of Carnival. It's immediately followed by Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of ...

But Mardi Gras is an entire season, often called Carnival. It begins 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and lasts until Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras in the New World European colonists and slave traders brought the pre-Lenten festivities to the Americas, where they became huge celebrations throughout the Carnival season.

This year, March 4 is Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the last day of the Carnival season. It's celebrated in New Orleans and around the United States and the world with parades, balls and parties.

AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: Easter is a week away, ending 40 days of repentance and fasting for Christians known as Lent. In New Orleans, the contrast from Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday to Ash Wednesday and ...

The beginning of March launches the first of several holidays and traditions with Roman Catholic roots such as Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent and St. Patrick’s Day. While they date back centuries, ...