Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday) is a festive event that is celebrated in many parts of the world on the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the last day of the Christian liturgical calendar's season of Epiphany, and the day before the start of Lent.

History

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.

Celebrations

Mardi Gras is associated with parties and parades; the most famous of these being the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Celebrations include music, dances, and the use of masks and costumes. The colors traditionally associated with Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold.

Mardi Gras around the world

While Mardi Gras is especially popular in the United States, it is celebrated in many other countries around the world. In some countries, such as Brazil and Italy, Mardi Gras is known as Carnival and is celebrated with large parades and parties.

See also

• Carnival
• Ash Wednesday
• Lent
• New Orleans Mardi Gras

References

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  Kosmic Frenchmen with Purple Face at Mardi Gras 2009
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  Mardi Gras celebration in Dakar
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  Sun and Moon at Marseille Carnival
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  Les Gilles at Binche
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  Mobile Mardi Gras 2010
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  Mardi Gras Pirates in New Orleans, Louisiana
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  Coffee Customers at Mardi Gras 2009