Mardi Gras
A Global Celebration of Feasting and Festivities
What is "Fat Tuesday"?
Mardi Gras is the grand finale of the Carnival season, a last day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The name is French for "Fat Tuesday," referring to the tradition of consuming all the rich, fatty foods in the house in preparation for the fasting season ahead.
Carnival Season
Festivities Begin
Mardi Gras
The Final Feast
Ash Wednesday
Lent Begins
A World of Traditions
While the spirit of pre-Lenten celebration is global, its name and traditions vary significantly by country, often centered around a specific festive food.
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United Kingdom
Pancake Day
Using up eggs and milk before the fast.
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Italy
Martedì Grasso
The peak of the famous Carnevale.
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Germany
Karneval / Fastnacht
A "fifth season" of celebration.
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Sweden
Fettisdagen
Celebrated by eating a sweet bun called Semla.
American Roots: A Brief History
Mardi Gras arrived in North America with French colonists, taking root in the Gulf Coast. While New Orleans is the most famous, the tradition's American start was actually in Alabama.
1703: The First Celebration
Mobile, Alabama hosts the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in what would become the United States.
1711: The First Krewe
The first informal mystic society, the Boeuf Gras Society, is formed in Mobile.
1723: A New Capital
Louisiana's capital moves to New Orleans, bringing the traditions that would grow into the world's most famous Carnival.
1872: Rex Is Born
The Krewe of Rex is formed in New Orleans, introducing the official colors of Mardi Gras.
Major US Celebrations
While countless cities celebrate, a few stand out for their history and scale. New Orleans remains the undisputed king of Carnival in the US.
The Colors of Carnival
The official colors of Mardi Gras were chosen by the Krewe of Rex in 1872. Each color holds a specific meaning, together symbolizing the core tenets of the celebration and its royal themes.