Mardi Gras is often known for its extravagant costumes, large parades and colorful masks. What began as a religious celebration before the 40 days of Lent has grown into a versatile series of holidays.
Mardi Gras has become more than a single day and includes a period of celebration.
Each year, different countries, such as the US and France, celebrate the carnival season, according to Britannica.
But when is Mardi Gras and how long does it last? Here’s what you need to know about the holiday.
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When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” according to Britannica. It is traditionally celebrated on Holy Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday, according to the Christian liturgical calendar.
Historically, on this day, people were supposed to use up “all the fat in the house before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence,” says Britannica. According to History.com, Christians will eat all rich, fatty foods, such as meat, eggs and cheese, in their home before the fasting period of Lent.
Mardi Gras is part of the Carnival festivities. The word “Carnival” is derived from the medieval Latin word, “carnelevarium,” which means to remove or remove the flesh, says History.com.
Today, these customs are not the main focus of Mardi Gras. Instead, Mardi Gras in the US is known for its parades, king cakes, and green, purple, and gold beads.
Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, in 2023 is February 21, 2023, according to mardigrasneworleans.com.
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How long is Mardi Gras?
Although Mardi Gras technically refers to a specific day, Holy Tuesday, it is often considered an entire season, according to mardigrasneworleans.com.
The first Mardi Gras celebrations often take place on Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, on January 6, according to Britannica.
In the US, New Orleans follows this tradition with its celebrations beginning on January 6, 2023. These parades and events continue until culminating in the official Mardi Gras.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Mardi Gras celebrations last anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on when Ash Wednesday falls.
According to the French Quarter’s official website, on Mardi Gras Day, outdoor festivities last until midnight, after which you’ll be “required to clear the street.”
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Is Mardi Gras celebrated every year?
Yes, Mardi Gras is generally celebrated every year. In 2021, New Orleans parades were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was held in 2020 as the carnival season ended on February 25, 2020. The first suspected case of COVID-19 in the city was identified on March 9, according to USA TODAY.
Mardi Gras celebrations in 2023 are set for February 21 in New Orleans.
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