Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”
Mardi Gras is a a time for fun and enjoyment leading up to Fat Tuesday which is February 13th this year. Mardi Gras floats roll down the streets of many cities and towns across the South. People line the streets crying out to people on the float to “Throw Me Something Mister”. Sales of beads and Mardi Gras items spike business.
Many companies connect with people celebrating Mardi Gras. Ricky Smith’s Audio in Lafayette LA has the Mardi Gras spirit every year and their store has to close on Fat Tuesday as the street out front of their store is closed for a Mardi Gras parade.
The 12volt Central Studios also has Mardi Gras fun along with friends like the crew at N&H Electronics in Hattiesburg MS.
We wish all a happy and safe Mardi Gras 2024. Check out some fun pics.
Below is a history of the centuries old history of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations—on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. .Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.
Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the rich, fatty foods—meat, eggs, milk, lard and cheese—that remained in their homes, in anticipation of several weeks of eating only fish and different types of fasting.
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. Traditions vary by region but often include lavish balls, parades, throwing beads and king cake.
Mardi Gras 2024 will fall on Tuesday, February 13.
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