Mardi Gras aka "Fat Tuesday"

Mardi Gras aka "Fat Tuesday"

Mardi Gras in French translates to "Fat Tuesday" in English.

Mardi Gras is one of the rowdiest events of the year. “Mardi Gras” in French is translated as “Fat Tuesday” in English. It is a raucous and hedonistic event that is held the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This has traditionally been the “last hurrah” before the start of the Lenten season. The event has also been referred to “Shrove Tuesday” and indulgent meals are eaten to prepare you for Lenten fasting and restraint. This is the last day of the “carnival season” and no matter what you call it, the event includes gluttonous amounts of food and sin-like behavior. The city of New Orleans is always alive, but Mardi Gras bring the city to life like never before. There are many fun hats and masks associated with the holiday and getting dressed up is half the fun.

The Colors of Mardi Gras

There are three important colors associated with Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras. The first color associated with this rambunctious holiday is purple. The color purple signifies justice. The second color associated with the holiday is green signifying faith. The third major color is gold signifying power. These colors are personified on masks, cakes, parade floats, beads, clothing, tapestry and much more. These colors have been associated with the holiday since its inception. Bright colors, images, fun filled streets and great food are all a huge part of the Mardi Gras holiday. We have been celebrating "Fat Tuesday" for over a hundred years and it is one of the most entertaining, history rich events in our country's long illustrious history.