Mardi Gras The biggest celebration in New Orleans! This holiday has its origins in France, celebrating the end of the pre-Lenten season. In France, the day is typically celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, was originally a day for households to clear out their fats to prepare for Lent’s abstinence and fasting. Mardi Gras Celebrations, tripadvisor.com Mardi Gras was introduced initially by two French-Canadian explorers sent by King Louis XIV to Louisiana to enforce their claim on the land, which includes what is now Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. The explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and his brother, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, celebrated the very first Mardi Gras in Louisiana on March 2nd, 1699. Today, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans. Carnival (celebrations in some Roman Catholic countries and communities that happen in the days leading up to Lent) starts in New Orleans ten days before Shrove Tuesday. It culminates with the big event: Mardi Gras and the Rex parade. The colors gold (representing power), purple (representing justice), and green (representing faith) can be found everywhere. From the elaborate costumes to beads and masks, all the way down to the infamous King cake, a ring-shaped pastry with a small token baked inside. Celebrate
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