Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in...
The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with Bernard de Marigny funding the first organized parade, tableau, and ball. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French ...
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.
Mardi Gras, festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.
It's believed that Mardi Gras emerged from the wild ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. These pagan celebrations involved days of feasting, masquerading, dancing, and drinking. When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to blend the traditions rather than abolish one over the other.
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” and refers to the ritualistic eating of generally unhealthy foods (hello, king cake) and meat before the traditional 40 days of fasting that accompany the...
Mardi Gras traditions range from king cakes to Mardi Gras Indians and Mardi Gras balls. Click here to learn about the history of Mardi Gras and the celebrations in New Orleans.