What is Mardi Gras?

Wed Mar 9, 2022

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is not an official American holiday, but it is one night of fun, especially if you follow the tradition, and have to give up sweets for 40 days! The name Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” It comes from the fact that the festival takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

It also refers to the old custom of consuming all the fats in the home before Lent. During Lent, Roman Catholics often sacrifice or deny themselves certain foods (like sweets and fattening foods) as a way to remember the sacrifice Christ made for them, and to prepare their hearts for Good Friday and Easter.

The festivities of Mardi Gras can last for many days. In some countries this period is called Carnival. One famous carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Another one occurs in New Orleans, Louisiana. I lived in Louisiana for my first year of teaching back in the '90's, and it was an interesting place to live and experience this Cajun (French country) culture.

(https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Mardi-Gras/353427)

So....this is is why we are having fun because the next day is a serious holiday (if you follow that tradition).

But since I don't follow the tradition of Lent, it is just a fun night out with my friends, drinking and eating alligator bites :) We wear masks and dance with the band, which plays fun, Cajun music like they would play in New Orleans. All in all, a fun night :)

Laurel Archer
A North Carolina-based teacher and lover of language and reading. She loves to find fun ways to teach English and connect with people all over the world.

What is Mardi Gras?

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