Mardi Gras

The terms "Mardi Gras" (pronounced /ˈmɑ:di grɑː/, "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season" in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which started on Ash Wednesday.

In many areas, the term "Mardi Gras" has come to mean the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. In some US cities, it is now called "Mardi Gras Day" or "Fat Tuesday".

People celebrate Mardi Gras by having parties, attending parades, wearing costumes and masks, and eating King Cake. In the evening, there is a costume ball presided over by a King and Queen. Because Lent is a somber time, Mardi Gras is a last chance to live it up and celebrate. Two of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations are in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

When is Mardi Gras?



It is on Tuesday, February 10, 2010. It is one day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.
Lent is before Easter. It is a time when members of some Christian religions fast, give up something, or do good deeds.

What is Fat Tuesday?

Fat Tuesday is what the French call Mardi Gras. Gras means fat and Mardi means Tuesday.
The costume in the photo is of Le Roi Soleil, which is French for Sun King and refers to Louis XIV of France.

What colors represent Mardi Gras?

Purple, green, and gold represent of Mardi Gras.
Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

How do people celebrate Mardi Gras?

They wear costumes, attend parties, and watch parades.
The people on this float are wearing costumes and throwing beads and trinkets to the crowd.

What kinds of costumes are popular on Mardi Gras?

Colorful, elaborate costumes are popular on Mardi Gras, especially in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro has the longest Carnival celebration in the world.

What are Mardi Gras throws?



They are cheap trinkets like plastic beads and doubloons.
People on parade floats throw them to the crowds who chant "Hey, Mister, throw me something".

What kind of music is popular on Mardi Gras?

Samba is popular on Mardi Gras.
Brazil is the birthplace of Samba music.

What do people eat for Mardi Gras?



They eat King Cake. King Cake is decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar.
It also has a baby hidden inside the cake.
The person who gets the baby is the King or Queen and they have to buy the next King Cake or give the next Mardi Gras party.