🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa059)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras","crawl_time":1775118471,"first_indexed_time":1375983835,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Mardi Gras - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Mardi Gras\nCelebrations\nin\nNew Orleans\n, Louisiana, U.S.\nAlso called\nFat Tuesday,\nShrove Tuesday\n, Pancake Tuesday\nType\nChristian, cultural\nSignificance\nCelebration period before fasting season of\nLent\nCelebrations\nParades, parties\nDate\nDay before\nAsh Wednesday\n, 47 days before\nEaster\n, 2 days after\nShrove Sunday\n2025 date\nMarch 4\n2026 date\nFebruary 17\n2027 date\nFebruary 9\n2028 date\nFebruary 29\nFrequency\nAnnual\nRelated to\nShrove Tuesday\n,\nCarnival\n,\nShrove Monday\n,\nPre-Lent\n,\nAsh Wednesday\n,\nLent\n,\nUžgavėnės\n,\nMaslenitsa\nMardi Gras\n(\n;\n),\n[\n1\n]\n[\n2\n]\nalso known as\nShrove Tuesday\n, is the final day of\nCarnival\n(also known as\nShrovetide\nor\nFastelavn\n); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of\nLent\non\nAsh Wednesday\n.\n[\n3\n]\nMardi Gras\n(\n[maʁdi\nɡʁa]\n) is\nFrench\nfor \"\nFat Tuesday\n\", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably\nred meat\n, in preparation for the Christian\nfasting season of Lent\n, during which such foods are avoided.\n[\n4\n]\nRelated popular practices are associated with Carnival celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the\npenitential\nseason of Lent. In countries such as the\nUnited Kingdom\n, Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word\nshrive\n, meaning \"to administer the sacrament of\nconfession\nto; to absolve\".\n[\n5\n]\nBackground\nDuring the\nliturgical season\nof Lent, some Christians\nabstain from the consumption\nof certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the\nAnabaptist\n,\nBaptist\n,\nMethodist\n, and\nReformed\ntraditions.\n[\n6\n]\n[\n7\n]\n[\n8\n]\n[\n9\n]\n[\n10\n]\nShrovetide\nprovided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.\n[\n11\n]\n[\n12\n]\n[\n13\n]\nPrior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the\nBlack Fast\n, which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one\nvegetarian\nmeal and water after sunset.\n[\n12\n]\n[\n13\n]\nThe tradition of\npancake breakfasts\nduring Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of \"using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter\" prior to Lent.\n[\n11\n]\n[\n14\n]\nThe specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in\nSlavic\npaganism\n, with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual.\n[\n15\n]\n[\n16\n]\nSpecifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached.\n[\n17\n]\n[\n18\n]\nIn many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the\nchurch bells\n(on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes\".\n[\n19\n]\n[\n20\n]\n[\n21\n]\nAs such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season.\n[\n22\n]\n[\n23\n]\n[\n4\n]\nThe last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such \"because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent\" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance.\n[\n4\n]\nTraditions\nThe festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with\nShrove Tuesday\n.\n[\n4\n]\nSome traditions, such as the one in\nNew Orleans\n, Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from\nTwelfth Night\n(the last night of Christmas which begins\nEpiphany\n) to Ash Wednesday.\n[\n24\n]\n[\n25\n]\nOthers treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.\n[\n26\n]\nIn\nMobile, Alabama\n, Mardi Gras–\nassociated social events begin in November\n, followed by\nmystic society\nballs\n[\n24\n]\n[\n27\n]\nNew Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before\nAsh Wednesday\n. In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day.\n[\n24\n]\nCarnival (or\nFastelavn\nor\nShrovetide\n) is an important celebration in\nLutheran\n,\nAnglican\nand\nCatholic\nEuropean nations.\n[\n5\n]\n[\n22\n]\nMardi Gras in\nDakar\n, Senegal\nMardi Gras in\nMarseille\n, France\nBelgium\nMardi Gras in\nBinche\n, Belgium\nThe three-day\nCarnival of Binche\n, near\nMons\n, is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around\nShrove Tuesday\n(or Mardi Gras) just before\nLent\n. Performers known as\nGilles\nwear elaborate costumes in the\nnational colours\nof red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw\noranges\nat the crowd.\n[\n28\n]\nIn 2003, it was recognized by\nUNESCO\nas one of the\nMasterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity\n.\n[\n29\n]\nCzech Republic\nIn the\nCzech Republic\n, it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including\nPrague\n,\n[\n30\n]\nbut the tradition also prevails in villages such as\nStaré Hamry\n, whose door-to-door processions made it to the\nUNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List\n.\n[\n31\n]\nGermany\nThe celebration on the same day in\nGermany\nknows many different terms, depending on the region, such as\nFastnacht\n, meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as\nKarneval\nor\nFasching\nin Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland.  It is also often referred to as the \"fifth season\", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11\/11 11:11).\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nand ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht.\nKarneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as\nSchmutziger Donnerstag\nor\nFetter Donnerstag\n(\nFat Thursday\n),\nUnsinniger Donnerstag\n(Nonsense Thursday),\nAltweiberfastnacht\n,\nGreesentag\nand others. In\nstandard German\n,\nschmutzig\nmeans \"dirty\", but in the Alemannic dialects\nschmotzig\nmeans \"lard\" (\nSchmalz\n), or \"fat\";\n[\n32\n]\nthus \"Greasy Thursday\", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began.  Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles.   In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual \"takeover\" of the town halls by local women has become tradition.\nItaly\nIn\nItaly\nMardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday).  It is the main day of\nCarnival\nalong with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous\nCarnivals\nin northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian\nSartiglia\nand the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic \"\nBattle of Oranges\n\" that finds its roots in medieval times.  The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale.\n[\n33\n]\nSweden\nIn\nSweden\nthe celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called\nSemla\n. The name comes from the words \"fett\" (fat) and \"tisdag\" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat\nfastlagsbullar\n.\n[\n34\n]\nUnited Kingdom\nSee\nShrove Tuesday\n.\nUnited States\nWhile not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a\nFrench Catholic\ntradition with the Le Moyne brothers,\n[\n35\n]\nPierre Le Moyne d'Iberville\nand\nJean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville\n, in the late 17th century, when King\nLouis XIV\nsent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of\nLouisiane\n, which included what are now the U.S. states of\nAlabama\n,\nMississippi\n,\nLouisiana\nand part of eastern\nTexas\n.\n[\n35\n]\nThe expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the\nMississippi River\non the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style),\nLundi Gras\n. They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by\nRené-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle\nin 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where\nNew Orleans\nis today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot\nPoint du Mardi Gras\n(French: \"Mardi Gras Point\") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras.\n[\n36\n]\nBienville\nwent on to found the settlement of\nMobile\n(now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.\n[\n37\n]\nIn 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the\nfirst organised Mardi Gras\ncelebration tradition in what was to become the United States.\n[\n35\n]\n[\n38\n]\n[\n39\n]\n[\n40\n]\nThe first informal\nmystic society\n, or\nkrewe\n, was formed in Mobile in 1711, the\nBoeuf Gras Society\n.\n[\n38\n]\nThen came the\nStriker's Independent Society\nin 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the\nOrder of Myths\nor \"OOMs\" in 1867.\nIn 1720,\nBiloxi\nhad been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there.\n[\n35\n]\nKnights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season.\nIn 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to\nNew Orleans\n, founded in 1718.\n[\n37\n]\nThe first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with\nBernard de Marigny\nfunding 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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan\nLaissez les bons temps rouler\n(\"Let the good times roll\"), as floats \"roll\".\n[\n35\n]\n[\nfailed verification\n]\nFestivities formally began in 1853 when a group of\nProtestant\nAnglo-Americans\n, some members of\nMobile\nMystic Societies\n, formed the first \"old-line\" krewe, The\nMistick Krewe of Comus\n, based on\nBernard de Marigny\n's 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal\ntableau vivant\nand presentation of debutants, followed by a formal\nball\n. The\nTwelfth Night Revelers\nwere formed in 1870, again with ties to\nMobile\n, but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The\nKnights of Momus\nand\nRex\ncame about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the\nKrewe of Proteus\nbeing formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the\nKnights of Chaos\nreplacing Momus.\nThe parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as \"super krewes\") came later, during the 1960s\/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of\nEndymion\n(Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at\nCaesars Superdome\n),\nBacchus\n(Sunday), and\nZulu\nand\nRex\n(Tuesday).\nOther cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from\nPensacola, Florida\n, and\nGalveston, Texas\n, to\nLake Charles\nand\nLafayette, Louisiana\n, and north to\nNatchez, Mississippi\n, and\nAlexandria, Louisiana\n, have active Mardi Gras celebrations.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nGalveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's \"King Henry IV\" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or \"Krewes\" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials \"K.O.M.\") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as \"The Crusades\", \"Peter the Great\", and \"Ancient France\", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn the rural\nAcadiana\narea, many\nCajuns\ncelebrate with the\nCourir de Mardi Gras\n, a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France.\n[\n41\n]\nSt. Louis, Missouri\n, founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.\n[\n42\n]\nThe celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood,\nSoulard\n, and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country.\n[\n43\n]\nAlthough founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s.\n[\n44\n]\nThe city's celebration begins with \"12th night\", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage.\n[\n45\n]\nCostumes\nMardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937\nMardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold.  In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes\n[\n46\n]\nas well as clowns and\nNative Americans\n.\n[\n47\n]\nExposure by women\nA topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009\nAlthough the\nChurch\nteaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of\nmodesty\n,\n[\n48\n]\n[\n49\n]\nthe practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in\nNew Orleans\n, US, has been documented since 1889, when the\nTimes-Democrat\ndecried the \"degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets.\" The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area.\n[\n50\n]\n[\n51\n]\nIn the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day,\nflashers\non balconies cause crowds to form on the streets.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial\nvideotapes\ncatering to\nvoyeurs\nhelped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets.  Social scientists studying \"ritual disrobement\" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors.\n[\n51\n]\nFurther information on the traveling bead art exhibition:\nBead Town\nSee also\nCarnaval de Ponce\n – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico\nBœuf Gras\n – French traditional holiday figure\nFantasy Fest\n – Street party in Key West, Florida\nFat Thursday\n – Christian tradition before Lent\nMaslenitsa\n – Slavic folk and Christian holiday\nShrove Tuesday\n – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday\nSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras\n – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia\nTsiknopempti\n – Greek traditional feast\nUžgavėnės\n – Lithuanian festival\nReferences\n^\nWells, John C.\n(2008).\nLongman Pronunciation Dictionary\n(3rd ed.). Longman.\nISBN\n \n978-1-4058-8118-0\n.\n^\nJones, Daniel\n(2011).\nRoach, Peter\n;\nSetter, Jane\n;\nEsling, John\n(eds.).\nCambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary\n(18th ed.). Cambridge University Press.\nISBN\n \n978-0-521-15255-6\n.\n^\n\"Mardi Gras (n.)\"\n.\nOxford English Dictionary\n(Online ed.). Oxford University Press.\ndoi\n:\n10.1093\/OED\/9489225210\n.\n(Subscription or\nparticipating institution membership\nrequired.)\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\nRose, David (1995).\nChristianity\n. Folens Limited. p. 9.\nISBN\n \n978-1-85276-765-5\n.\nShrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties.\n^\na\nb\nMelitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008).\nEntertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl\n.\nABC-CLIO\n.\nISBN\n \n9780313086892\n.\nIn Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as\nShrove Tuesday\n—from\nshrive\nmeaning \"confess\"—or\nPancake Day\n—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.\n^\n\"Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?\"\n. Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024\n. Retrieved\n3 November\n2024\n.\nThose inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant.\n^\nBenedict, Philip (2002).\nChrist's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism\n. New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496.\nISBN\n \n0-300-08812-4\n.\n^\nMennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent\n. Third Way Media\n. Retrieved\n3 November\n2024\n.\nTraditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter.\n^\nBrumley, Jeff (12 March 2012).\n\"Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals\"\n.\nThe Florida Times-Union\n. Jacksonville, Florida\n. Retrieved\n3 November\n2024\n.\n^\nMoore, Scott (2008). \"The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars\". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). [978-0881461046\nThe Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education\n]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143.\nIn most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up.\n^\na\nb\nCampbell, Georgina (May 2005).\nThe Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive\n. Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106.\nISBN\n \n978-1-903164-15-0\n.\nUntil relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade.\n^\na\nb\nButler, Alban (1839).\nThe Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church\n. Dublin: James Duffy. pp. \n144–\n146.\nThe primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.\n^\na\nb\nButler, Alban (1774).\nThe Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church\n. C. Kiernan. p. 257.\nIt is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.\n^\nCollins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005).\nEncyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports\n. Psychology Press. p. 202.\nISBN\n \n978-0415352246\n.\nThe association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes.\n^\nGornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025).\n\"The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations\"\n. CBS News.\n^\n\"Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?\"\n.\nvisitheritage.co.uk\n. 20 February 2023.\n^\n\"The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday\"\n.\nHistory.co.uk\n.\n^\nHughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023).\n\"Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe\"\n.\ndiscoverbritain.com\n.\n^\n\"What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?\"\n.\nChristianity.com\n. 13 February 2024\n. Retrieved\n7 April\n2024\n.\nIn many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes.\"\n^\nCocks, Alfred Heneage (1897).\nThe church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; &c\n. Jarrold & sons. p. 276.\n^\nPulleyn, William (1828).\nThe Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions\n.\nRichard Griffin and Company\n. p. 192.\n^\na\nb\n\"Shrovetide\"\n.\nChurch of Denmark\n. Retrieved\n8 February\n2021\n.\n^\nBeadle, Richard (17 March 1994).\nThe Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre\n. Cambridge University Press. p. \n69\n.\nISBN\n \n9780521459167\n.\nOne of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and\nMankind\nbears signs of being one of them (\n335\n).\n^\na\nb\nc\n\"Mardi Gras Terminology\"\n.\nMobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 9 December 2007\n. Retrieved\n18 November\n2007\n.\n^\nWilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996).\nLouisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State\n. Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157.\nISBN\n \n978-0807118931\n. Retrieved\n11 December\n2015\n.\n^\nBratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010).\n\"The Season of Lent\"\n. Christian Resource Institute\n. Retrieved\n25 June\n2016\n.\n^\n\"Mobile Carnival Association, 1927\",\n  MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage:\nmardigrasdigest-Mobile\n\"Mobile Carnival Association\"\n. Archived from the original on 7 March 2006\n. Retrieved\n12 March\n2018\n.\n^\n\"The best Belgian folklore festivals\"\n. expatica.com. Archived from\nthe original\non 4 August 2013\n. Retrieved\n25 November\n2012\n.\n^\nCole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007).\nLonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg\n(3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223.\nISBN\n \n978-1-74104-237-5\n.\n^\n\"Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague\"\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 11 December 2021\n. Retrieved\n18 January\n2016\n– via\nYouTube\n.\n^\n\"Staročeský masopust Hamry\"\n. Retrieved\n16 December\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?\"\n.\nRegionalzeitung Rontaler AG\n(in German). 17 February 2013\n. Retrieved\n7 February\n2015\n.\n^\nKillinger, Charles L. (2005).\nCulture and Customs of Italy\n. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. \n94\n.\nISBN\n \n978-0313324895\n.\nmardi gras in italy.\n^\n\"Swedish semla: more than just a bun\"\n.\nSweden.se\n. Archived from\nthe original\non June 6, 2011\n. Retrieved\nFebruary 22,\n2011\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\n\"New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline\n\" (event list),\n   Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage:\nMG-time\n^\n\"9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras\"\n.\nHistory.com\n. Retrieved\n17 August\n2017\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"Timeline 18th Century:\" (events),\n   Timelines of History, 2007, webpage:\nTLine-1700-1724\nArchived\n1 July 2010 at the\nWayback Machine\n:\n   on \"1702–1711\" of Mobile.\n^\na\nb\n\"Carnival\/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline\"\n.\nMuseum of Mobile\n. Retrieved\n18 July\n2012\n.\n^\n\"Mardi Gras in Mobile\" (history),\nJeff Sessions\n, Senator,\nLibrary of Congress\n, 2006, webpage:\nLibCongress-2665\n.\n^\n\"Mardi Gras\" (history),\n   Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage:\nMGmobile\n.\n^\nBarry Jean Ancelet\n(1989).\nCapitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras\n. Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana.\nISBN\n \n0-940984-46-6\n.\n^\nGeiling, Natasha.\n\"Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans\"\n.\nSmithsonian\n. Retrieved\n11 February\n2018\n.\n^\nHouser, Dave G.\n\"7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)\"\n.\nchicagotribune.com\n. Retrieved\n11 February\n2018\n.\n^\n\"Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood\"\n.\nallaboutmardigras.com\n. Retrieved\n12 February\n2018\n.\n^\n\"12th Night | Soulard Mardi Gras 2018\"\n.\nstlmardigras.org\n. St. Louis, MO\n. Retrieved\n11 February\n2018\n.\n^\nLisa Gabbert (1999).\nMardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade\n. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4.\nISBN\n \n978-0-8239-5337-0\n.\n^\nA Mardi Gras Dictionary\n. Pelican Publishing. p. 6.\nISBN\n \n978-1-4556-0836-2\n.\n^\nO'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022).\nBecoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life\n. Ave Maria Press. p. 13.\nISBN\n \n978-1-64680-157-2\n.\n^\nCuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018).\n\"Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras\"\n. Iron Ladies\n. Retrieved\n17 April\n2024\n.\nAnd by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged.\n^\nSparks, R.\n\"American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future\"\n.\nLa Louisiane à la dérive\n.\nThe École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio\n. 16 December 2005.\n^\na\nb\nShrum, W. and J. Kilburn.\n\"Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order\"\n.\nSocial Forces\n, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458.\nExternal links\nWikimedia Commons has media related to\nMardi Gras\n.\nTraditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations\nArchived\n7 July 2011 at the\nWayback Machine\nMardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama\nWhere to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World\n– slideshow by\nThe Guardian\nFashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes\nfrom the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Mardi+Gras \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Mardi+Gras \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\nPersonal tools\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Mardi+Gras \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Mardi+Gras \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras)\n- [1 Background](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Background)\n- [2 Traditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Traditions)\n  Toggle Traditions subsection\n  - [2\\.1 Belgium](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Belgium)\n  - [2\\.2 Czech Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Czech_Republic)\n  - [2\\.3 Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Germany)\n  - [2\\.4 Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Italy)\n  - [2\\.5 Sweden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Sweden)\n  - [2\\.6 United Kingdom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#United_Kingdom)\n  - [2\\.7 United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#United_States)\n- [3 Costumes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Costumes)\n  Toggle Costumes subsection\n  - [3\\.1 Exposure by women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#Exposure_by_women)\n- [4 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#See_also)\n- [5 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#References)\n- [6 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Mardi Gras\n47 languages\n\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7 \"ماردي جرا – Arabic\")\n- [Azərbaycanca](https:\/\/az.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Qra \"Mardi Qra – Azerbaijani\")\n- [Bikol Central](https:\/\/bcl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Central Bikol\")\n- [Brezhoneg](https:\/\/br.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meurlarjez \"Meurlarjez – Breton\")\n- [Català](https:\/\/ca.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dimarts_de_Carnaval \"Dimarts de Carnaval – Catalan\")\n- [Čeština](https:\/\/cs.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Czech\")\n- [Cymraeg](https:\/\/cy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Welsh\")\n- [Deutsch](https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – German\")\n- [Ελληνικά](https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%9B%CE%B9%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AE_%CE%A4%CF%81%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%B7 \"Λιπαρή Τρίτη – Greek\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_\\(Martes_de_Carnaval\\) \"Mardi Gras (Martes de Carnaval) – Spanish\")\n- [Euskara](https:\/\/eu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Astearte_inautea \"Astearte inautea – Basque\")\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/fa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%DB%8C_%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7 \"ماردی گرا – Persian\")\n- [Suomi](https:\/\/fi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Finnish\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_gras \"Mardi gras – French\")\n- [Frysk](https:\/\/fy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Western Frisian\")\n- [Gaeilge](https:\/\/ga.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/M%C3%A1irt_na_hInide \"Máirt na hInide – Irish\")\n- [עברית](https:\/\/he.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%93%D7%99_%D7%92%D7%A8%D7%90 \"מרדי גרא – Hebrew\")\n- [हिन्दी](https:\/\/hi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE \"मार्दी ग्रा – Hindi\")\n- [Kreyòl ayisyen](https:\/\/ht.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Madi_gra \"Madi gra – Haitian Creole\")\n- [Magyar](https:\/\/hu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Farsang \"Farsang – Hungarian\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Indonesian\")\n- [Íslenska](https:\/\/is.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sprengidagur \"Sprengidagur – Icelandic\")\n- [日本語](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E3%83%9E%E3%83%AB%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9 \"マルディグラ – Japanese\")\n- [Jawa](https:\/\/jv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Javanese\")\n- [ქართული](https:\/\/ka.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E1%83%9B%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%93%E1%83%98_%E1%83%92%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90 \"მარდი გრა – Georgian\")\n- [ಕನ್ನಡ](https:\/\/kn.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B2%AE%E0%B2%B0%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%A1%E0%B2%BF_%E0%B2%97%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%B8%E0%B3%8D \"ಮರ್ಡಿ ಗ್ರಾಸ್ – Kannada\")\n- [한국어](https:\/\/ko.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%EB%A7%88%EB%A5%B4%EB%94%94_%EA%B7%B8%EB%9D%BC \"마르디 그라 – Korean\")\n- [Македонски](https:\/\/mk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 \"Марди Гра – Macedonian\")\n- [Bahasa Melayu](https:\/\/ms.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Malay\")\n- [Napulitano](https:\/\/nap.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Urdemo_juorno_%27e_Carnevale \"Urdemo juorno 'e Carnevale – Neapolitan\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_\\(feest\\) \"Mardi Gras (feest) – Dutch\")\n- [Nouormand](https:\/\/nrm.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi-gras \"Mardi-gras – Norman\")\n- [Occitan](https:\/\/oc.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dimars_gras \"Dimars gras – Occitan\")\n- [Polski](https:\/\/pl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Polish\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_\\(carnaval\\) \"Mardi Gras (carnaval) – Portuguese\")\n- [Română](https:\/\/ro.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Romanian\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 \"Марди Гра – Russian\")\n- [Simple English](https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Simple English\")\n- [Српски \/ srpski](https:\/\/sr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 \"Марди Гра – Serbian\")\n- [தமிழ்](https:\/\/ta.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF_%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B8%E0%AF%8D \"மார்டி கிறாஸ் – Tamil\")\n- [ไทย](https:\/\/th.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2 \"มาร์ดิกรา – Thai\")\n- [Türkçe](https:\/\/tr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Turkish\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D1%96_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 \"Марді Гра – Ukrainian\")\n- [اردو](https:\/\/ur.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%88%DB%8C_%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7 \"مارڈی گرا – Urdu\")\n- [Tiếng Việt](https:\/\/vi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"Mardi Gras – Vietnamese\")\n- [Walon](https:\/\/wa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cr%C3%A5s_m%C3%A5rdi \"Crås mårdi – Walloon\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%87%BA%E6%82%94%E6%98%9F%E6%9C%9F%E4%BA%8C \"懺悔星期二 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q35105#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Mardi_Gras \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras)\n- [View source](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&action=edit \"This page is protected.\n  You can view its source [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras)\n- [View source](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&action=edit)\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Mardi_Gras \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Mardi_Gras \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&oldid=1341022091 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&action=info \"More information about this page\")\n- [Cite this page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Mardi_Gras&id=1341022091&wpFormIdentifier=titleform \"Information on how to cite this page\")\n- [Get shortened URL](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMardi_Gras)\n\nPrint\/export\n\n- [Download as PDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Mardi_Gras&action=show-download-screen \"Download this page as a PDF file\")\n- [Printable version](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Mardi_Gras&printable=yes \"Printable version of this page [p]\")\n\nIn other projects\n\n- [Wikimedia Commons](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Mardi_Gras)\n- [Wikidata item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q35105 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n[![Page semi-protected](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Semi-protection-shackle.svg\/20px-Semi-protection-shackle.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Protection_policy#semi \"This article is semi-protected.\")\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nHoliday on the day before Ash Wednesday\n\nThis article is about the carnival holiday. For other uses, see [Mardi Gras (disambiguation)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_\\(disambiguation\\) \"Mardi Gras (disambiguation)\").\n\n\"Fat Tuesday\" redirects here. For the band, see [Fat Tuesday (band)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fat_Tuesday_\\(band\\) \"Fat Tuesday (band)\").\n\n| Mardi Gras |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3d\/KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG\/250px-KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)[Celebrations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans \"Mardi Gras in New Orleans\") in [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), Louisiana, U.S. |   |\n| Also called | Fat Tuesday, [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\"), Pancake Tuesday |\n| Type | Christian, cultural |\n| Significance | Celebration period before fasting season of [Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lent \"Lent\") |\n| Celebrations | Parades, parties |\n| Date | Day before [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\"), 47 days before [Easter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Easter \"Easter\"), 2 days after [Shrove Sunday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Sunday \"Shrove Sunday\") |\n| 2025 date | March 4 |\n| 2026 date | February 17 |\n| 2027 date | February 9 |\n| 2028 date | February 29 |\n| Frequency | Annual |\n| Related to | [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\"), [Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\"), [Shrove Monday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Monday \"Shrove Monday\"), [Pre-Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pre-Lent \"Pre-Lent\"), [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\"), [Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lent \"Lent\"), [Užgavėnės](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s \"Užgavėnės\"), [Maslenitsa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maslenitsa \"Maslenitsa\") |\n\n**Mardi Gras** ([UK](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_English \"British English\"): [\/ˌmɑːrdi ˈɡrɑː\/](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/English \"Help:IPA\/English\"); [US](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_English \"American English\"): [\/ˈmɑːrdi ɡrɑː\/](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/English \"Help:IPA\/English\")),[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-1)[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-2) also known as **[Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\")**, is the final day of [Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\") (also known as [Shrovetide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrovetide \"Shrovetide\") or [Fastelavn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fastelavn \"Fastelavn\")); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of [Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lent \"Lent\") on [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\").[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-3) *Mardi Gras* ([\\[maʁdi ɡʁa\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/French \"Help:IPA\/French\")) is [French](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_language \"French language\") for \"**Fat Tuesday**\", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably [red meat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Red_meat \"Red meat\"), in preparation for the Christian [fasting season of Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lenten_sacrifice \"Lenten sacrifice\"), during which such foods are avoided.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4)\n\nRelated popular practices are associated with Carnival celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the [penitential](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Penitential \"Penitential\") season of Lent. In countries such as the [United Kingdom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Kingdom \"United Kingdom\"), Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word *shrive*, meaning \"to administer the sacrament of [confession](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confession_\\(religion\\) \"Confession (religion)\") to; to absolve\".[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)\n\n## Background\nDuring the [liturgical season](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liturgical_year \"Liturgical year\") of Lent, some Christians [abstain from the consumption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lenten_sacrifice \"Lenten sacrifice\") of certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the [Anabaptist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anabaptism \"Anabaptism\"), [Baptist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baptists \"Baptists\"), [Methodist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Methodism \"Methodism\"), and [Reformed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reformed_Christianity \"Reformed Christianity\") traditions.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-OPC-6)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Benedict2014-7)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Mennonite-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-FTU2012-9)[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Moore2008-10) [Shrovetide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrovetide \"Shrovetide\") provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13)\n\nPrior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the [Black Fast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_Fast \"Black Fast\"), which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [vegetarian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christian_vegetarianism \"Christian vegetarianism\") meal and water after sunset.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) The tradition of [pancake breakfasts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pancake_breakfast \"Pancake breakfast\") during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of \"using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter\" prior to Lent.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-CollinsMartin2005-14)\n\nThe specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in [Slavic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Slavs \"Slavs\") [paganism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paganism \"Paganism\"), with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-15)[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-16) Specifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-17)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-18)\n\nIn many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the [church bells](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Church_bell \"Church bell\") (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes\".[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-19)[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cocks1897-20)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-21) As such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Beadle1994-23)[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) The last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such \"because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent\" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4)\n\n## Traditions\nThe festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\").[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Some traditions, such as the one in [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from [Twelfth Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Twelfth_Night_\\(holiday\\) \"Twelfth Night (holiday)\") (the last night of Christmas which begins [Epiphany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epiphany_\\(holiday\\) \"Epiphany (holiday)\")) to Ash Wednesday.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Wild\/Dufour\/Cowan_\\(seas\/New_Orl.\\)-25) Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-26)\n\nIn [Mobile, Alabama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\"), Mardi Gras–[associated social events begin in November](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\"), followed by [mystic society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\") balls[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MCA-27) New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\"). In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24) Carnival (or [Fastelavn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fastelavn \"Fastelavn\") or [Shrovetide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrovetide \"Shrovetide\")) is an important celebration in [Lutheran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lutheran \"Lutheran\"), [Anglican](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anglican \"Anglican\") and [Catholic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Catholic \"Catholic\") European nations.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b3\/MardiGrasDakar.JPG\/250px-MardiGrasDakar.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:MardiGrasDakar.JPG)\n\nMardi Gras in [Dakar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dakar \"Dakar\"), Senegal\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/de\/Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg\/250px-Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in [Marseille](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marseille \"Marseille\"), France\n### Belgium\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/71\/Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg\/250px-Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in [Binche](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Binche \"Binche\"), Belgium\n\nThe three-day [Carnival of Binche](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Binche \"Carnival of Binche\"), near [Mons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mons,_Belgium \"Mons, Belgium\"), is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\") (or Mardi Gras) just before [Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lent \"Lent\"). Performers known as [Gilles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gilles \"Gilles\") wear elaborate costumes in the [national colours](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_colours \"National colours\") of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw [oranges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Orange_\\(fruit\\) \"Orange (fruit)\") at the crowd.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-28) In 2003, it was recognized by [UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\") as one of the [Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Masterpieces_of_the_Oral_and_Intangible_Heritage_of_Humanity \"Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity\").[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LP223-29)\n\n### Czech Republic\nIn the [Czech Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Czech_Republic \"Czech Republic\"), it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including [Prague](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prague \"Prague\"),[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Masopust-30) but the tradition also prevails in villages such as [Staré Hamry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Star%C3%A9_Hamry \"Staré Hamry\"), whose door-to-door processions made it to the [UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_World_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_List \"UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List\").[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-31)\n\n### Germany\nMain articles: [Karneval, Fasching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") and [Fastnacht](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht \"Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht\")\n\nThe celebration on the same day in [Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\") knows many different terms, depending on the region, such as [Fastnacht](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht \"Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht\"), meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as [Karneval](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") or [Fasching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fasching \"Fasching\") in Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. It is also often referred to as the \"fifth season\", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11\/11 11:11).\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] and ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht.\n\nKarneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as *Schmutziger Donnerstag* or *Fetter Donnerstag* ([Fat Thursday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fat_Thursday \"Fat Thursday\")), *Unsinniger Donnerstag* (Nonsense Thursday), *Altweiberfastnacht*, *Greesentag* and others. In [standard German](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_German \"Standard German\"), *schmutzig* means \"dirty\", but in the Alemannic dialects *schmotzig* means \"lard\" ([Schmalz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Schmalz \"Schmalz\")), or \"fat\";[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Schmotzig-32) thus \"Greasy Thursday\", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual \"takeover\" of the town halls by local women has become tradition.\n\n### Italy\nIn [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\") Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday). It is the main day of [Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\") along with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous [Carnivals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnivals \"Carnivals\") in northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian [Sartiglia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sartiglia \"Sartiglia\") and the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic \"[Battle of Oranges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Battle_of_the_Oranges \"Battle of the Oranges\")\" that finds its roots in medieval times. The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-33)\n\n### Sweden\nIn [Sweden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sweden \"Sweden\") the celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called [Semla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Semla \"Semla\"). The name comes from the words \"fett\" (fat) and \"tisdag\" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat [fastlagsbullar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fastlagsbulle \"Fastlagsbulle\").[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-semla-34)\n\n### United Kingdom\nSee [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\").\n\n### United States\nSee also: [Mardi Gras in the United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States \"Mardi Gras in the United States\"), [Mardi Gras in Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\"), and [Mardi Gras in New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans \"Mardi Gras in New Orleans\")\n\nWhile not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a [French Catholic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Catholic \"French Catholic\") tradition with the Le Moyne brothers,[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pierre_Le_Moyne_d%27Iberville \"Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville\") and [Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville \"Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville\"), in the late 17th century, when King [Louis XIV](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louis_XIV \"Louis XIV\") sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of *[Louisiane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louisiana_\\(New_France\\) \"Louisiana (New France)\")*, which included what are now the U.S. states of [Alabama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alabama \"Alabama\"), [Mississippi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mississippi \"Mississippi\"), [Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louisiana \"Louisiana\") and part of eastern [Texas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Texas \"Texas\").[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\n\nThe expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the [Mississippi River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mississippi_River \"Mississippi River\") on the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style), [Lundi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lundi_Gras \"Lundi Gras\"). They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by [René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier,_Sieur_de_La_Salle \"René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle\") in 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\") is today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot *Point du Mardi Gras* (French: \"Mardi Gras Point\") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-36)\n\n[Bienville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville \"Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville\") went on to found the settlement of [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\") (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) In 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the [first organised Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\") celebration tradition in what was to become the United States.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38)[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LOCgras-39)[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MBAYgras-40) The first informal [mystic society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\"), or [krewe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe \"Krewe\"), was formed in Mobile in 1711, the *Boeuf Gras Society*.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38) Then came the [Striker's Independent Society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Striker%27s_Independent_Society \"Striker's Independent Society\") in 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the [Order of Myths](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Order_of_Myths \"Order of Myths\") or \"OOMs\" in 1867.\n\nIn 1720, [Biloxi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biloxi,_Mississippi \"Biloxi, Mississippi\") had been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/12\/Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg\/250px-Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)\n\nKnights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season.\n\nIn 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), founded in 1718.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with [Bernard de Marigny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bernard_de_Marigny \"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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan *[Laissez les bons temps rouler](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laissez_les_bons_temps_rouler \"Laissez les bons temps rouler\")* (\"Let the good times roll\"), as floats \"roll\".[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\\[*[failed verification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Verifiability \"Wikipedia:Verifiability\")*\\]\n\nFestivities formally began in 1853 when a group of [Protestant](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protestantism \"Protestantism\") [Anglo-Americans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anglo-Americans \"Anglo-Americans\"), some members of [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\") [Mystic Societies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\"), formed the first \"old-line\" krewe, The [Mistick Krewe of Comus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mistick_Krewe_of_Comus \"Mistick Krewe of Comus\"), based on [Bernard de Marigny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bernard_de_Marigny \"Bernard de Marigny\")'s 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal [tableau vivant](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tableau_vivant \"Tableau vivant\") and presentation of debutants, followed by a formal [ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ball_\\(dance_event\\) \"Ball (dance event)\"). The [Twelfth Night Revelers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Twelfth_Night_Revelers \"Twelfth Night Revelers\") were formed in 1870, again with ties to [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\"), but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The [Knights of Momus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Knights_of_Momus \"Knights of Momus\") and [Rex](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rex_parade \"Rex parade\") came about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the [Krewe of Proteus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Proteus \"Krewe of Proteus\") being formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the [Knights of Chaos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Knights_of_Chaos \"Knights of Chaos\") replacing Momus.\n\nThe parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as \"super krewes\") came later, during the 1960s\/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of [Endymion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Endymion \"Krewe of Endymion\") (Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at [Caesars Superdome](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caesars_Superdome \"Caesars Superdome\")), [Bacchus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Bacchus \"Krewe of Bacchus\") (Sunday), and [Zulu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zulu_Social_Aid_%26_Pleasure_Club \"Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club\") and [Rex](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rex_parade \"Rex parade\") (Tuesday).\n\nOther cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from [Pensacola, Florida](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pensacola,_Florida \"Pensacola, Florida\"), and [Galveston, Texas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Galveston,_Texas \"Galveston, Texas\"), to [Lake Charles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lake_Charles,_Louisiana \"Lake Charles, Louisiana\") and [Lafayette, Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lafayette,_Louisiana \"Lafayette, Louisiana\"), and north to [Natchez, Mississippi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Natchez,_Mississippi \"Natchez, Mississippi\"), and [Alexandria, Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alexandria,_Louisiana \"Alexandria, Louisiana\"), have active Mardi Gras celebrations.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nGalveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's \"King Henry IV\" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or \"Krewes\" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials \"K.O.M.\") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as \"The Crusades\", \"Peter the Great\", and \"Ancient France\", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn the rural [Acadiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acadiana \"Acadiana\") area, many [Cajuns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cajuns \"Cajuns\") celebrate with the *[Courir de Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras \"Courir de Mardi Gras\")*, a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-41)\n\n[St. Louis, Missouri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Louis,_Missouri \"St. Louis, Missouri\"), founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-42) The celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood, [Soulard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soulard,_St._Louis \"Soulard, St. Louis\"), and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-43) Although founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-44) The city's celebration begins with \"12th night\", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-45)\n\n## Costumes\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/96\/Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg\/250px-Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937\n\nMardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Gabbert1999-46) as well as clowns and [Native Americans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States \"Native Americans in the United States\").[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-47)\n\n### Exposure by women\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/12\/MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG\/250px-MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)\n\nA topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009\n\nAlthough the [Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christian_Church \"Christian Church\") teaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of [modesty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Modesty#Christianity \"Modesty\"),[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-O'Malley-48)[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cuthbert2018-49) the practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), US, has been documented since 1889, when the *Times-Democrat* decried the \"degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets.\" The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-sparks-50)[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) In the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day, [flashers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Exhibitionism \"Exhibitionism\") on balconies cause crowds to form on the streets.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial [videotapes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Videotape \"Videotape\") catering to [voyeurs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Voyeurism \"Voyeurism\") helped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Social scientists studying \"ritual disrobement\" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51)\n\nFurther information on the traveling bead art exhibition: [Bead Town](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bead_Town \"Bead Town\")\n\n## See also\n- [Carnaval de Ponce](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnaval_de_Ponce \"Carnaval de Ponce\") – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico\n- [Bœuf Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/B%C5%93uf_Gras \"Bœuf Gras\") – French traditional holiday figure\n- [Fantasy Fest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fantasy_Fest \"Fantasy Fest\") – Street party in Key West, Florida\n- [Fat Thursday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fat_Thursday \"Fat Thursday\") – Christian tradition before Lent\n- [Maslenitsa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maslenitsa \"Maslenitsa\") – Slavic folk and Christian holiday\n- [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\") – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday\n- [Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sydney_Gay_and_Lesbian_Mardi_Gras \"Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras\") – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia\n- [Tsiknopempti](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tsiknopempti \"Tsiknopempti\") – Greek traditional feast\n- [Užgavėnės](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s \"Užgavėnės\") – Lithuanian festival\n## References\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-1)**\n   [Wells, John C.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_C._Wells \"John C. Wells\") (2008). *Longman Pronunciation Dictionary* (3rd ed.). Longman. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-4058-8118-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4058-8118-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4058-8118-0\")\n   \n   .\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-2)**\n   [Jones, Daniel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daniel_Jones_\\(phonetician\\) \"Daniel Jones (phonetician)\") (2011). [Roach, Peter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peter_Roach_\\(phonetician\\) \"Peter Roach (phonetician)\"); [Setter, Jane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jane_Setter \"Jane Setter\"); [Esling, John](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Esling \"John Esling\") (eds.). *[Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/English_Pronouncing_Dictionary \"English Pronouncing Dictionary\")* (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-521-15255-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-521-15255-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-521-15255-6\")\n   \n   .\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-3)**\n   [\"Mardi Gras (n.)\"](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/OED\/9489225210). *[Oxford English Dictionary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oxford_English_Dictionary \"Oxford English Dictionary\")* (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1093\/OED\/9489225210](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093%2FOED%2F9489225210).\n   \n   (Subscription or [participating institution membership](https:\/\/www.oed.com\/public\/login\/loggingin#withyourlibrary) required.)\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-3)\n   Rose, David (1995). *Christianity*. Folens Limited. p. 9. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-85276-765-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-85276-765-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-85276-765-5\")\n   \n   . \"Shrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties.\"\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-1)\n   Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008). [*Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&q=Anglican+Mardi+Gras&pg=PA354). [ABC-CLIO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ABC-CLIO \"ABC-CLIO\"). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [9780313086892](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780313086892 \"Special:BookSources\/9780313086892\")\n   \n   . \"In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as *Shrove Tuesday*—from *shrive* meaning \"confess\"—or *Pancake Day*—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.\"\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-OPC_6-0)**\n   [\"Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?\"](https:\/\/www.opc.org\/qa.html?question_id=365). Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024. \"Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant.\"\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Benedict2014_7-0)**\n   Benedict, Philip (2002). [*Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=JKj_x3W01hoC&q=lent). New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [0-300-08812-4](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-300-08812-4 \"Special:BookSources\/0-300-08812-4\")\n   \n   .\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Mennonite_8-0)**\n   [*Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent*](https:\/\/thirdwaycafe.com\/glossary\/lent\/#:~:text=The%20choice%20to%20fast%20or,await%20the%20promise%20of%20Easter.). Third Way Media. Retrieved 3 November 2024. \"Traditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter.\"\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-FTU2012_9-0)**\n   Brumley, Jeff (12 March 2012). [\"Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals\"](http:\/\/jacksonville.com\/news\/metro\/2012-03-12\/story\/lent-not-just-catholics-also-some-baptists-and-other-evangelicals). *[The Florida Times-Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Florida_Times-Union \"The Florida Times-Union\")*. Jacksonville, Florida. Retrieved 3 November 2024.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Moore2008_10-0)**\n    Moore, Scott (2008). \"The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars\". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). \\[978-0881461046 *The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education*\\]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143. \"In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up.\"\n    \n    `{{cite book}}`: Check `|url=` value ([help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:CS1_errors#bad_url \"Help:CS1 errors\"))\n11. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-1)\n    Campbell, Georgina (May 2005). *The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive*. Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-903164-15-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-903164-15-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-903164-15-0\")\n    \n    . \"Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade.\"\n12. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-1)\n    Butler, Alban (1839). *The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church*. Dublin: James Duffy. pp. 144–146\\. \"The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.\"\n13. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-1)\n    Butler, Alban (1774). *The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church*. C. Kiernan. p. 257. \"It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.\"\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-CollinsMartin2005_14-0)**\n    Collins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005). *Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports*. Psychology Press. p. 202. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0415352246](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0415352246 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0415352246\")\n    \n    . \"The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes.\"\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-15)**\n    Gornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025). [\"The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations\"](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/pictures\/amazing-history-of-pancake-celebrations\/7\/). CBS News.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?\"](https:\/\/www.visitheritage.co.uk\/inspiration\/visit-heritage-blog\/read\/2023\/02\/why-do-we-eat-pancakes-on-shrove-tuesday-b302). *visitheritage.co.uk*. 20 February 2023.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-17)**\n    [\"The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday\"](https:\/\/www.history.co.uk\/articles\/the-pagan-roots-of-pancake-day). *History.co.uk*.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-18)**\n    Hughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023). [\"Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe\"](https:\/\/www.discoverbritain.com\/history\/traditions\/shrove-tuesday-all-you-need-to-know\/). *discoverbritain.com*.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-19)**\n    [\"What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?\"](https:\/\/www.christianity.com\/wiki\/holidays\/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html). [Christianity.com](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christianity.com \"Christianity.com\"). 13 February 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024. \"In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes.\"\"\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cocks1897_20-0)**\n    Cocks, Alfred Heneage (1897). *The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; \\&c*. Jarrold & sons. p. 276.\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-21)**\n    Pulleyn, William (1828). *The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions*. [Richard Griffin and Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Richard_Griffin_and_Company \"Richard Griffin and Company\"). p. 192.\n22. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-1)\n    [\"Shrovetide\"](https:\/\/www.lutheranchurch.dk\/liturgy-and-worship\/festivals-and-traditions\/shrovetide). [Church of Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Church_of_Denmark \"Church of Denmark\"). Retrieved 8 February 2021.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Beadle1994_23-0)**\n    Beadle, Richard (17 March 1994). [*The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/cambridgecompani00rich_1\/page\/69). Cambridge University Press. p. [69](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/cambridgecompani00rich_1\/page\/69). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780521459167](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780521459167 \"Special:BookSources\/9780521459167\")\n    \n    . \"One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and *Mankind* bears signs of being one of them (*335*).\"\n24. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-2)\n    [\"Mardi Gras Terminology\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071209165238\/http:\/\/www.mobile.org\/vis_mardigras_terms.php). *Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mobile.org\/vis_mardigras_terms.php) on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Wild\/Dufour\/Cowan_\\(seas\/New_Orl.\\)_25-0)**\n    Wilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996). [*Louisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CyI14B5pua8C&q=mardi+gras+season+from+twelfth+night+to+ash+wednesday+new+orleans&pg=PA157). Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0807118931](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0807118931 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0807118931\")\n    \n    . Retrieved 11 December 2015.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-26)**\n    Bratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010). [\"The Season of Lent\"](http:\/\/www.crivoice.org\/cylent.html). Christian Resource Institute. Retrieved 25 June 2016.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MCA_27-0)**\n    \"Mobile Carnival Association, 1927\", MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage: [mardigrasdigest-Mobile](http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/Bureau\/Mobile\/mobile_carnival_association.htm)\n    \n    [\"Mobile Carnival Association\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060307233517\/http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/Bureau\/Mobile\/mobile_carnival_association.htm). Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2018.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-28)**\n    [\"The best Belgian folklore festivals\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130804122549\/http:\/\/www.expatica.com\/nl\/leisure\/travel_tourism\/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html). expatica.com. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.expatica.com\/nl\/leisure\/travel_tourism\/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html) on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2012.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LP223_29-0)**\n    Cole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007). *Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg* (3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-74104-237-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-74104-237-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-74104-237-5\")\n    \n    .\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Masopust_30-0)**\n    [\"Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague\"](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p3IqY-QsJgc). [Archived](https:\/\/ghostarchive.org\/varchive\/youtube\/20211211\/p3IqY-QsJgc) from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2016 – via [YouTube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/YouTube \"YouTube\").\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Staročeský masopust Hamry\"](https:\/\/www.masopusthamry.cz\/). Retrieved 16 December 2017.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Schmotzig_32-0)**\n    [\"Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?\"](https:\/\/www.rontaler.ch\/20330\/woher-hat-der-schmutzige-donnerstag-seinen-namen). *Regionalzeitung Rontaler AG* (in German). 17 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015.\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-33)**\n    Killinger, Charles L. (2005). [*Culture and Customs of Italy*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/culturecustomsof00char). Greenwood Publishing Group. p. [94](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/culturecustomsof00char\/page\/94). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0313324895](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0313324895 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0313324895\")\n    \n    . \"mardi gras in italy.\"\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-semla_34-0)**\n    [\"Swedish semla: more than just a bun\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110606090150\/http:\/\/www.sweden.se\/eng\/Home\/Lifestyle\/Traditions\/Reading\/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun\/). *Sweden.se*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.sweden.se\/eng\/Home\/Lifestyle\/Traditions\/Reading\/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun\/) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011.\n35. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-4)  \"New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline \" (event list), Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage: [MG-time](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101124195528\/http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/html\/mardi_gras_history__timeline.htm)\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-36)**\n    [\"9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras\"](http:\/\/www.history.com\/news\/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-mardi-gras). *History.com*. Retrieved 17 August 2017.\n37. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-1) \"Timeline 18th Century:\" (events), Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: [TLine-1700-1724](http:\/\/timelines.ws\/1700_1724.HTML) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100701122153\/http:\/\/timelines.ws\/1700_1724.HTML) 1 July 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"): on \"1702–1711\" of Mobile.\n38. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-1)\n    [\"Carnival\/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline\"](http:\/\/www.museumofmobile.com\/timeline.php). *Museum of Mobile*. Retrieved 18 July 2012.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LOCgras_39-0)**  \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\" (history), [Jeff Sessions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jeff_Sessions \"Jeff Sessions\"), Senator, [Library of Congress](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Library_of_Congress \"Library of Congress\"), 2006, webpage: [LibCongress-2665](http:\/\/lcweb2.loc.gov\/cocoon\/legacies\/AL\/200002665.html).\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MBAYgras_40-0)**  \"Mardi Gras\" (history), Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage: [MGmobile](https:\/\/www.mobile.org\/ab_mardigras.php\/ab_mardigras_history.php).\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-41)**\n    [Barry Jean Ancelet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barry_Jean_Ancelet \"Barry Jean Ancelet\") (1989). [*Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/capitainevoyaget00ance). Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-940984-46-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-940984-46-6 \"Special:BookSources\/0-940984-46-6\")\n    \n    .\n42. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-42)**\n    Geiling, Natasha. [\"Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans\"](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/best-places-celebrate-mardi-gras-outside-new-orleans-180954286\/). *Smithsonian*. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n43. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-43)**\n    Houser, Dave G. [\"7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)\"](http:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/lifestyles\/travel\/ct-mardi-gras-celebrations-not-in-new-orleans-20170131-story.html). *chicagotribune.com*. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n44. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-44)**\n    [\"Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood\"](http:\/\/www.allaboutmardigras.com\/Features\/soulardhistory.html). *allaboutmardigras.com*. Retrieved 12 February 2018.\n45. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-45)**\n    [\"12th Night \\| Soulard Mardi Gras 2018\"](https:\/\/stlmardigras.org\/events\/12th-night). *stlmardigras.org*. St. Louis, MO. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n46. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Gabbert1999_46-0)**\n    Lisa Gabbert (1999). [*Mardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=4T2D0H8KJDAC&pg=PA4). The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-8239-5337-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-5337-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-5337-0\")\n    \n    .\n47. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-47)**\n    [*A Mardi Gras Dictionary*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QJzd111SBGwC&pg=PT6). Pelican Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-4556-0836-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4556-0836-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4556-0836-2\")\n    \n    .\n48. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-O'Malley_48-0)**\n    O'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022). *Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life*. Ave Maria Press. p. 13. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-64680-157-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-64680-157-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-64680-157-2\")\n    \n    .\n49. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cuthbert2018_49-0)**\n    Cuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018). [\"Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras\"](https:\/\/medium.com\/iron-ladies\/why-we-celebrate-mardi-gras-a185f0eee70a). Iron Ladies. Retrieved 17 April 2024. \"And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged.\"\n50. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-sparks_50-0)** Sparks, R. [\"American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future\"](https:\/\/nuevomundo.revues.org\/document3941.html). *La Louisiane à la dérive*. [The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio](https:\/\/nuevomundo.revues.org\/sommaire2899.html#rub3927). 16 December 2005.\n51. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-1) Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. [\"Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order\"](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/2580408). *Social Forces*, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458.\n## External links\n[![Wikimedia Commons logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Mardi Gras](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Mardi_Gras \"commons:Category:Mardi Gras\").\n\n- [Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations](http:\/\/worldmusic.about.com\/od\/northamerican\/p\/CajunMardiGras.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110707075116\/http:\/\/worldmusic.about.com\/od\/northamerican\/p\/CajunMardiGras.htm) 7 July 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n- [Mardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama](https:\/\/www.encyclopediaofalabama.org\/face\/Article.jsp?id=h-1437)\n- [Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/gallery\/2009\/jan\/21\/mardi-gras-carnival-festivals-guide) – slideshow by *[The Guardian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Guardian \"The Guardian\")*\n- [Fashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes](http:\/\/libmma.contentdm.oclc.org\/cdm\/search\/collection\/p15324coll12\/searchterm\/mardi%20gras\/order\/nosort) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Carnival_around_the_world \"Template:Carnival around the world\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Carnival_around_the_world \"Template talk:Carnival around the world\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Carnival_around_the_world \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Carnival around the world\")[Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\") around the world |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| Asia | Indonesia [Solo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Solo_Batik_Carnival \"Solo Batik Carnival\") [Jember](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jember_Fashion_Carnaval \"Jember Fashion Carnaval\") [Jakarta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jakarnaval \"Jakarnaval\") Philippines [Sinulog](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sinulog \"Sinulog\") [Ati-Atihan festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ati-Atihan_festival \"Ati-Atihan festival\") | [![Carnival of Venice by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1754-1755](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_%28The_Minuet%29_-_WGA22379.jpg\/250px-Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_%28The_Minuet%29_-_WGA22379.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_\\(The_Minuet\\)_-_WGA22379.jpg) |\n| Europe | [Austria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") Belgium [Aalst](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Aalst \"Carnival of Aalst\") [Binche](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Binche \"Carnival of Binche\") [Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Denmark \"Carnival in Denmark\") [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Notting_Hill_Carnival \"Notting Hill Carnival\") [Finland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Helsinki_Samba_Carnaval \"Helsinki Samba Carnaval\") France [Nice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nice_Carnival \"Nice Carnival\") [Paris](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paris_Carnival \"Paris Carnival\") [Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") [Cologne](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cologne_Carnival \"Cologne Carnival\") [Mainz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mainz_carnival \"Mainz carnival\") Greece [Patras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patras_Carnival \"Patras Carnival\") [Hungary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bus%C3%B3j%C3%A1r%C3%A1s \"Busójárás\") [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Italy \"Carnival in Italy\") [Venice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Venice \"Carnival of Venice\") [Viareggio](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Viareggio \"Carnival of Viareggio\") [Ivrea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Ivrea \"Carnival of Ivrea\") [Foiano della Chiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Foiano_della_Chiana \"Carnival of Foiano della Chiana\") [Satriano di Lucania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Satriano_di_Lucania \"Carnival of Satriano di Lucania\") [Lithuania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s \"Užgavėnės\") [Malta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maltese_Carnival \"Maltese Carnival\") [Netherlands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_the_Netherlands \"Carnival in the Netherlands\") Portugal [Madeira](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Madeira \"Carnival of Madeira\") [Ovar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Ovar \"Carnival of Ovar\") [Slavic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Slavic_carnival \"Slavic carnival\") [Belarus, Russia, Ukraine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maslenitsa \"Maslenitsa\") [Croatia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rijeka_Carnival \"Rijeka Carnival\") [Slovenia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kurentovanje \"Kurentovanje\") Spain [Cádiz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_C%C3%A1diz \"Carnival of Cádiz\") [Las Palmas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Las_Palmas \"Carnival of Las Palmas\") [Santa Cruz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Santa_Cruz_de_Tenerife \"Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife\") [Switzerland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") [Basel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Basel \"Carnival of Basel\") [Turkey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baklahorani \"Baklahorani\") |   |\n| North America | Canada [Ottawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Winterlude \"Winterlude\") [Quebec City](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Quebec_Winter_Carnival \"Quebec Winter Carnival\") [Toronto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribana \"Caribana\") [México](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Mexico \"Carnival in Mexico\") [Vera Cruz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Mexico#Major_Carnivals \"Carnival in Mexico\") [Mazatlán](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Mexico#Major_Carnivals \"Carnival in Mexico\") [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States \"Mardi Gras in the United States\") [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile,_Alabama \"Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama\") [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans \"Mardi Gras in New Orleans\") [New York City](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Labor_Day_Carnival \"Labor Day Carnival\") |   |\n| Caribbean | [Antigua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antigua_Carnival \"Antigua Carnival\") [Bahamas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Junkanoo \"Junkanoo\") [Barbados](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crop_Over \"Crop Over\") [Cayman Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Batabano \"Batabano\") [Cuba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Santiago_de_Cuba \"Carnival of Santiago de Cuba\") [Dominica](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chant%C3%A9_mas \"Chanté mas\") [Dominican Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_the_Dominican_Republic \"Carnival in the Dominican Republic\") [Haiti](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haitian_Carnival \"Haitian Carnival\") [Jamaica](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jamaica_Carnival \"Jamaica Carnival\") [Nevis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culturama \"Culturama\") Puerto Rico ([Ponce](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnaval_de_Ponce \"Carnaval de Ponce\")) [Trinidad and Tobago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trinidad_and_Tobago_Carnival \"Trinidad and Tobago Carnival\") |   |\n| South America | Argentina [Buenos Aires](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buenos_Aires_Carnival \"Buenos Aires Carnival\") [Gualeguaychú](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gualeguaych%C3%BA,_Entre_R%C3%ADos#Carnival \"Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos\") [Murga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Murga \"Murga\") Bolivia [Oruro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnaval_de_Oruro \"Carnaval de Oruro\") [Brazil](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brazilian_Carnival \"Brazilian Carnival\") [Rio](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rio_Carnival \"Rio Carnival\") [São Paulo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_S%C3%A3o_Paulo \"Carnival of São Paulo\") [Bahia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bahian_Carnival \"Bahian Carnival\") [Recife](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Galo_da_Madrugada \"Galo da Madrugada\") [Colombia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Colombia \"Carnival in Colombia\") [Barranquilla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barranquilla%27s_Carnival \"Barranquilla's Carnival\") [Negros y Blancos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnaval_de_Negros_y_Blancos \"Carnaval de Negros y Blancos\") [French Guiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_French_Guiana \"Carnival in French Guiana\") [Cayenne](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Cayenne \"Carnival of Cayenne\") [Guyana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mashramani \"Mashramani\") Panama [Las Tablas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival#Panama \"Carnival\") Peru [Cajamarca](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival#Cajamarca \"Carnival\") [Uruguay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uruguayan_Carnival \"Uruguayan Carnival\") |   |\n| Oceania | [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Australia \"Carnival of Australia\") |   |\n| Related | [Mardi Gras]() |   |\n| **[![icon](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5a\/046CupolaSPietro.jpg\/20px-046CupolaSPietro.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:046CupolaSPietro.jpg) [Catholicism portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Catholicism \"Portal:Catholicism\")** **[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/70\/The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg\/20px-The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Blue_Marble,_AS17-148-22727.jpg) [World portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:World \"Portal:World\")** |   |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States \"Template:Public holidays in the United States\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States \"Template talk:Public holidays in the United States\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Public holidays in the United States\")Holidays, observances, and celebrations in the United States |   |\n|---|---|\n| January | [New Year's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Year%27s_Day \"New Year's Day\") (federal) [Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day \"Martin Luther King Jr. Day\") (federal) [Birthday of Eugenio María de Hostos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eugenio_Mar%C3%ADa_de_Hostos \"Eugenio María de Hostos\") (PR) [Confederate Heroes Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confederate_Memorial_Day \"Confederate Memorial Day\") (TX) [Eve of Three Kings' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epiphany_\\(holiday\\) \"Epiphany (holiday)\") (PR, religious) [Feast of Epiphany \/ Feast of Theophany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epiphany_\\(holiday\\) \"Epiphany (holiday)\") (religious) [Fred Korematsu Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fred_Korematsu_Day \"Fred Korematsu Day\") (AZ, CA, FL, HI, VA) [Idaho Human Rights Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Idaho_Human_Rights_Day \"Idaho Human Rights Day\") (ID) [Inauguration Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_presidential_inauguration \"United States presidential inauguration\") (federal quadrennial) [Kansas Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kansas_Day \"Kansas Day\") (KS) [Makar Sankranti \/ Pongal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Makar_Sankranti \"Makar Sankranti\") (religious) [Robert E. Lee Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Robert_E._Lee_Day \"Robert E. Lee Day\") (FL) [Stephen Foster Memorial Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stephen_Foster_Memorial_Day \"Stephen Foster Memorial Day\") (36) [National Religious Freedom Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Religious_Freedom_Day \"National Religious Freedom Day\") [The Eighth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Eighth_\\(United_States\\) \"The Eighth (United States)\") (LA) [Three Kings' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epiphany_\\(holiday\\) \"Epiphany (holiday)\") (PR, VI, religious) [World Religion Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Religion_Day \"World Religion Day\") (religious) |\n| January–February | [Chinese New Year](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_New_Year \"Chinese New Year\") \/ [Lunar New Year](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lunar_New_Year \"Lunar New Year\") (NY, cultural, religious) [Vasant Panchami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vasant_Panchami \"Vasant Panchami\") (religious) |\n| February [American Heart Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_Heart_Month \"American Heart Month\") [Black History Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_History_Month \"Black History Month\") | [Washington's Birthday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Presidents%27_Day \"Presidents' Day\") (federal) [Valentine's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valentine%27s_Day \"Valentine's Day\") [Birthday of Luis Muñoz Marín](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Luis_Mu%C3%B1oz_Mar%C3%ADn \"Luis Muñoz Marín\") (PR) [Candlemas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Candlemas \"Candlemas\") (religious) [Charles Darwin Day \/ Darwin Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Darwin_Day \"Darwin Day\") (CA, DE) [Day of Remembrance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_Remembrance_\\(Japanese_Americans\\) \"Day of Remembrance (Japanese Americans)\") (CA, OR, WA, cultural) [Georgia Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Georgia_Day \"Georgia Day\") (GA) [Groundhog Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Groundhog_Day \"Groundhog Day\") [Imbolc](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imbolc \"Imbolc\") (religious) [Lincoln's Birthday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lincoln%27s_Birthday \"Lincoln's Birthday\") (CA, CT, IL, IN, MO, NY, WV) [National Girls and Women in Sports Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Girls_and_Women_in_Sports_Day \"National Girls and Women in Sports Day\") [National Freedom Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Freedom_Day \"National Freedom Day\") (36) [Nirvana Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parinirvana_Day \"Parinirvana Day\") (religious) [Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Presentation_of_Jesus_at_the_Temple \"Presentation of Jesus at the Temple\") (religious) [Promised Reformer Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Promised_Reformer_Day \"Promised Reformer Day\") (religious) [Ronald Reagan Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ronald_Reagan_Day \"Ronald Reagan Day\") (CA) [Rosa Parks Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rosa_Parks_Day \"Rosa Parks Day\") (CA, MO) [Saviours' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saviours%27_Day \"Saviours' Day\") (religious) [Susan B. Anthony Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Susan_B._Anthony_Day \"Susan B. Anthony Day\") (CA, FL, NY, WI, WV, proposed federal) [Tu B’shvat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tu_BiShvat \"Tu BiShvat\") (religious) |\n| February–March | [Mardi Gras]() [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\") (PR, religious) [Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\") (PR, VI, religious) [Clean Monday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clean_Monday \"Clean Monday\") (religious) [Courir de Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras \"Courir de Mardi Gras\") (religious) [Intercalary Days](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ayy%C3%A1m-i-H%C3%A1 \"Ayyám-i-Há\") (religious) [Mahashivaratri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maha_Shivaratri \"Maha Shivaratri\") (religious) [Purim](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Purim \"Purim\") (religious) [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\") (religious) [Super Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Super_Tuesday \"Super Tuesday\") |\n| March [Irish-American Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Irish-American_Heritage_Month \"Irish-American Heritage Month\") [Colon Cancer Awareness Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Colon_Cancer_Awareness_Month \"National Colon Cancer Awareness Month\") [Women's History Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_History_Month \"Women's History Month\") | [Saint Patrick's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day \"Saint Patrick's Day\") (ethnic) [Spring break](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spring_break \"Spring break\") (week) [Annunciation of the Virgin Mary \/ Annunciation of the Theotokos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Annunciation \"Annunciation\") (religious) [Casimir Pulaski Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Casimir_Pulaski_Day \"Casimir Pulaski Day\") (IL) [Cesar Chavez Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cesar_Chavez_Day \"Cesar Chavez Day\") (CA, CO, TX, proposed federal) [Emancipation Day in Puerto Rico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Emancipation_Day#Puerto_Rico \"Emancipation Day\") (PR, cultural) [Evacuation Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Evacuation_Day_\\(Massachusetts\\) \"Evacuation Day (Massachusetts)\") (Suffolk County, MA) [Harriet Tubman Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Harriet_Tubman_Day \"Harriet Tubman Day\") (NY) [Hola Mohalla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hola_Mohalla \"Hola Mohalla\") (religious) [Holi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Holi \"Holi\") (NY, religious) [Lailat al-Mi'raj](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Isra_and_Mi%27raj#Modern_Muslim_observance \"Isra and Mi'raj\") (religious) [Liberation and Freedom Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberation_and_Freedom_Day \"Liberation and Freedom Day\") (Charlottesville, VA, cultural) [Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States \"Mardi Gras in the United States\") (AL (in two counties), LA) [Maryland Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maryland_Day \"Maryland Day\") (MD) [Medal of Honor Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Medal_of_Honor_Day \"Medal of Honor Day\") [National Poison Prevention Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Poison_Prevention_Week \"National Poison Prevention Week\") (week) [Nowruz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nowruz \"Nowruz\") (cultural, religious) [Ostara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C4%92ostre \"Ēostre\") (religious) [Pi Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pi_Day \"Pi Day\") [Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prince_K%C5%ABhi%C5%8D_Day \"Prince Kūhiō Day\") (HI) [Promised Messiah Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Promised_Messiah_Day \"Promised Messiah Day\") (religious) [Saint Joseph's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saint_Joseph%27s_Day \"Saint Joseph's Day\") (religious) [Seward's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seward%27s_Day \"Seward's Day\") (AK) [Texas Independence Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Texas_Independence_Day \"Texas Independence Day\") (TX) [Town Meeting Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Town_meeting#Vermont \"Town meeting\") (VT) [Transfer Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transfer_Day \"Transfer Day\") (VI) [U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U.S._Hostage_and_Wrongful_Detainee_Day \"U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day\") (36) [Trans Day of Visibility](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Transgender_Day_of_Visibility \"International Transgender Day of Visibility\") (cultural) |\n| March–April | [Easter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Easter \"Easter\") (religious) [Good Friday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Good_Friday \"Good Friday\") (CT, NC, PR, NJ, VI, religious) [Hanuman Jayanti](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanuman_Jayanti \"Hanuman Jayanti\") (religious) [Holy Thursday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maundy_Thursday \"Maundy Thursday\") (PR, VI, religious) [Holy Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Holy_Week \"Holy Week\") (PR, religious, week) [Lazarus Saturday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lazarus_Saturday \"Lazarus Saturday\") (religious) [Mahavir Janma Kalyanak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mahavir_Janma_Kalyanak \"Mahavir Janma Kalyanak\") (religious) [Mesha Sankranti \/ Hindu New Year](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mesha_Sankranti \"Mesha Sankranti\") (religious) [Palm Sunday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Palm_Sunday \"Palm Sunday\") (PR, religious) [Passover](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Passover \"Passover\") (religious, week) [Easter Monday \/ Bright Monday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Easter_Monday \"Easter Monday\") (VI, religious) [Ramnavami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rama_Navami \"Rama Navami\") (religious) [Chandramana Uugadi \/ Souramana Uugadi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ugadi \"Ugadi\") (religious) |\n| April [Arab American Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Arab_American_Heritage_Month \"National Arab American Heritage Month\") [Confederate History Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confederate_History_Month \"Confederate History Month\") | [420](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/420_\\(cannabis_culture\\) \"420 (cannabis culture)\") [April Fools' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/April_Fools%27_Day \"April Fools' Day\") [Arbor Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arbor_Day \"Arbor Day\") [Birthday of José de Diego](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jos%C3%A9_de_Diego \"José de Diego\") (PR) [Confederate Memorial Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confederate_Memorial_Day \"Confederate Memorial Day\") (AL, MS) [Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Days_of_Remembrance_of_the_Victims_of_the_Holocaust \"Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust\") (week) [DNA Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/DNA_Day \"DNA Day\") [Earth Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Earth_Day \"Earth Day\") [Emancipation Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Emancipation_Day \"Emancipation Day\") (cultural) [Thomas Jefferson's Birthday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jefferson%27s_Birthday \"Jefferson's Birthday\") (AL) [Lag B’Omer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lag_BaOmer \"Lag BaOmer\") (religious) [Last Friday of Great Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Lent \"Great Lent\") (religious) [National First Ladies Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_First_Ladies_Day \"National First Ladies Day\") [Pascua Florida](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pascua_Florida \"Pascua Florida\") (FL) [Patriots' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patriots%27_Day \"Patriots' Day\") (MA, ME) [Ridván](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ridv%C3%A1n \"Ridván\") (religious) [San Jacinto Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/San_Jacinto_Day \"San Jacinto Day\") (TX) [Siblings Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Siblings_Day \"Siblings Day\") [Walpurgis Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Walpurgis_Night \"Walpurgis Night\") (religious) [Yom Ha'atzmaut](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Independence_Day_\\(Israel\\) \"Independence Day (Israel)\") (cultural, religious) |\n| May [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asian_American_and_Pacific_Islander_Heritage_Month \"Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month\") [Jewish American Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jewish_American_Heritage_Month \"Jewish American Heritage Month\") [Military Appreciation Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Military_Appreciation_Month \"National Military Appreciation Month\") | [Memorial Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Memorial_Day \"Memorial Day\") (federal) [Mother's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mother%27s_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Mother's Day (United States)\") (36) [Cinco de Mayo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cinco_de_Mayo \"Cinco de Mayo\") [Ascension of Baháʼu'lláh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_Holy_Days \"Baháʼí Holy Days\") (religious) [Ascension of Our Lord](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ascension_Day \"Ascension Day\") (religious) [Caliphate Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caliphate_Day \"Caliphate Day\") (religious) [Declaration of the Bab](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_Holy_Days \"Baháʼí Holy Days\") (religious) [Harvey Milk Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Harvey_Milk_Day \"Harvey Milk Day\") (CA) [International Workers' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Workers%27_Day \"International Workers' Day\") \/ [May Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/May_Day \"May Day\") (CA, unofficial, proposed state) [Law Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Law Day (United States)\") (36) [Loyalty Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Loyalty_Day \"Loyalty Day\") (36) [Malcolm X Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malcolm_X_Day \"Malcolm X Day\") (CA, IL, proposed federal) [Military Spouse Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Military_Spouse_Day \"Military Spouse Day\") [National Day of Prayer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Day_of_Prayer \"National Day of Prayer\") (36) [National Day of Reason](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Day_of_Reason \"National Day of Reason\") [National Defense Transportation Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Defense_Transportation_Day \"National Defense Transportation Day\") (36) [National Maritime Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_National_Maritime_Day \"United States National Maritime Day\") (36) [Peace Officers Memorial Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peace_Officers_Memorial_Day \"Peace Officers Memorial Day\") (36) [Pentecost](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pentecost \"Pentecost\") (religious) [Shavuot](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shavuot \"Shavuot\") (religious) [Truman Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Truman_Day \"Truman Day\") (MO) [Vesak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vesak \"Vesak\") \/ [Buddha's Birthday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha%27s_Birthday \"Buddha's Birthday\") (religious) |\n| June [Pride Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pride_Month \"Pride Month\") | [Juneteenth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Juneteenth \"Juneteenth\") (federal, cultural) [Father's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Father%27s_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Father's Day (United States)\") (36) [Bunker Hill Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bunker_Hill_Day \"Bunker Hill Day\") (Suffolk County, MA) [Carolina Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carolina_Day \"Carolina Day\") (SC) [Don Young Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Don_Young_Day \"Don Young Day\") (AK) [Fast of the Holy Apostles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apostles%27_Fast \"Apostles' Fast\") (religious) [Flag Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flag_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Flag Day (United States)\") (36, proposed federal) [Helen Keller Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Helen_Keller_Day \"Helen Keller Day\") (PA) [Honor America Days](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Honor_America_Days \"Honor America Days\") (3 weeks) [Jefferson Davis Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jefferson_Davis_Day \"Jefferson Davis Day\") (AL, FL) [Kamehameha Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kamehameha_Day \"Kamehameha Day\") (HI) [Litha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Midsummer \"Midsummer\") (religious) [Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Arjan \"Guru Arjan\") (religious) [Odunde Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Odunde_Festival \"Odunde Festival\") (Philadelphia, PA, cultural) [Senior Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Senior_Week \"Senior Week\") (week) [Saint John's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nativity_of_Saint_John_the_Baptist#Celebration \"Nativity of Saint John the Baptist\") (PR, religious) [West Virginia Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/West_Virginia_Day \"West Virginia Day\") (WV) [Women Veterans Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women_Veterans_Day \"Women Veterans Day\") |\n| July | [Independence Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Independence_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Independence Day (United States)\") (federal) [Asalha Puja Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asalha_Puja \"Asalha Puja\") (religious) [Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Luis_Mu%C3%B1oz_Rivera \"Luis Muñoz Rivera\") (PR) [Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jos%C3%A9_Celso_Barbosa \"José Celso Barbosa\") (PR) [Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Emancipation_Day#United_States_Virgin_Islands \"Emancipation Day\") (VI, cultural) [Guru Purnima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Purnima \"Guru Purnima\") (religious) [Khordad Sal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khordad_Sal \"Khordad Sal\") (religious) [Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sovereignty_Restoration_Day \"Sovereignty Restoration Day\") (HI, unofficial, cultural) [Martyrdom of the Báb](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Execution_of_the_B%C3%A1b \"Execution of the Báb\") (religious) [Parents' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parents%27_Day \"Parents' Day\") (36) [Pioneer Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pioneer_Day \"Pioneer Day\") (UT) [Puerto Rico Constitution Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puerto_Rico_Constitution_Day \"Puerto Rico Constitution Day\") (PR) |\n| July–August | [Summer vacation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_vacation \"Summer vacation\") [Tisha B'Av](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tisha_B%27Av \"Tisha B'Av\") (religious) |\n| August | [American Family Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_Family_Day \"American Family Day\") (AZ) [Barack Obama Day in Illinois](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barack_Obama_Day \"Barack Obama Day\") (IL) [Bennington Battle Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bennington_Battle_Day \"Bennington Battle Day\") (VT) [Dormition of the Theotokos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God#Dormition_versus_Assumption \"Dormition of the Mother of God\") (religious) [Eid-e-Ghadeer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_al-Ghadir \"Eid al-Ghadir\") (religious) [Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God#Dormition_fast \"Dormition of the Mother of God\") (religious) [Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Assumption_of_Mary#Feasts \"Assumption of Mary\") (religious) [Hawaii Admission Day \/ Statehood Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Statehood_Day_\\(Hawaii\\) \"Statehood Day (Hawaii)\") (HI) [Krishna Janmashtami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krishna_Janmashtami \"Krishna Janmashtami\") (religious) [Lammas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lammas \"Lammas\") (religious) [Lyndon Baines Johnson Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lyndon_Baines_Johnson_Day \"Lyndon Baines Johnson Day\") (TX) [Naga Panchami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naga_Panchami \"Naga Panchami\") (religious) [National Aviation Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Aviation_Day \"National Aviation Day\") (36) [Paryushana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paryushana \"Paryushana\") (religious) [Raksha Bandhan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Raksha_Bandhan \"Raksha Bandhan\") (religious) [Transfiguration of the Lord](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Feast_of_the_Transfiguration \"Feast of the Transfiguration\") (religious) [Victory Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Victory_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Victory Day (United States)\") (RI) [Women's Equality Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Equality_Day \"Women's Equality Day\") (36) |\n| September [Prostate Cancer Awareness Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Prostate_Cancer_Awareness_Month \"National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month\") [Childhood Cancer Awareness Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Childhood_Cancer_Awareness_Month \"National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month\") [Gospel Music Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gospel_Music_Heritage_Month \"Gospel Music Heritage Month\") | [Labor Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Labor_Day \"Labor Day\") (federal) [Brazilian Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brazilian_Day \"Brazilian Day\") (NY, cultural) [California Admission Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/California_Admission_Day \"California Admission Day\") (CA) [Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carl_Garner_Federal_Lands_Cleanup_Day \"Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day\") (36) [Constitution Day and Citizenship Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_Day_and_Citizenship_Day \"Constitution Day and Citizenship Day\") (36) [Constitution Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_Week \"Constitution Week\") [Defenders Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Defenders_Day_\\(Maryland\\) \"Defenders Day (Maryland)\") (MD) [Elevation of the Holy Cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elevation_of_the_Holy_Cross \"Elevation of the Holy Cross\") (religious) [Feast of San Gennaro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Feast_of_San_Gennaro \"Feast of San Gennaro\") (NY, cultural, religious) [Ganesh Chaturthi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ganesh_Chaturthi \"Ganesh Chaturthi\") (religious) [Gold Star Mother's Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gold_Star_Mother%27s_Day \"Gold Star Mother's Day\") (36) [His Holiness Sakya Trizin's Birthday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sakya_Trizin_Ngawang_Kunga \"Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga\") (religious) [Mabon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/September_equinox \"September equinox\") (religious) [National Grandparents Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grandparents%27_Day \"Grandparents' Day\") (36) [National Payroll Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Payroll_Week \"National Payroll Week\") (week) [Nativity of Mary \/ Nativity of the Theotokos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nativity_of_Mary \"Nativity of Mary\") (religious) [Native American Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_American_Day \"Native American Day\") (proposed federal) [Patriot Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patriot_Day \"Patriot Day\") (36) [Von Steuben Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Von_Steuben_Day \"Von Steuben Day\") |\n| September–October [Hispanic Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Hispanic_Heritage_Month \"National Hispanic Heritage Month\") | [Chehlum Imam Hussain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arba%27een \"Arba'een\") (religious) [Oktoberfest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oktoberfest_celebrations \"Oktoberfest celebrations\") [Pitri Paksha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitri_Paksha \"Pitri Paksha\") (religious) [Rosh Hashanah \/ Feast of Trumpets](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rosh_Hashanah \"Rosh Hashanah\") (TX, NY, religious) [Shemini Atzeret](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shemini_Atzeret \"Shemini Atzeret\") (religious) [Simchat Torah](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simchat_Torah \"Simchat Torah\") (religious) [Vijaya Dashami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vijayadashami \"Vijayadashami\") (religious) [Yom Kippur \/ Day of Atonement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yom_Kippur \"Yom Kippur\") (TX, NY, religious) |\n| October [Breast Cancer Awareness Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month \"National Breast Cancer Awareness Month\") [Disability Employment Awareness Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Disability_Employment_Awareness_Month \"National Disability Employment Awareness Month\")  [Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italian-American_Heritage_and_Culture_Month \"Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month\")   [Filipino American History Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Filipino_American_History_Month \"Filipino American History Month\") [LGBT History Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_History_Month \"LGBT History Month\") | [Columbus Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Columbus_Day \"Columbus Day\") (federal) [Halloween](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Halloween \"Halloween\") [Alaska Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alaska_Day \"Alaska Day\") (AK) [Child Health Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Child_Health_Day \"Child Health Day\") (36) [General Pulaski Memorial Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/General_Pulaski_Memorial_Day \"General Pulaski Memorial Day\") [German-American Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German-American_Day \"German-American Day\") [Indigenous Peoples' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States)\") [International Day of Non-Violence](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Day_of_Non-Violence \"International Day of Non-Violence\") [Leif Erikson Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Leif_Erikson_Day \"Leif Erikson Day\") (36) [Missouri Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Missouri_Day \"Missouri Day\") (MO) [Nanomonestotse](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nanomonestotse \"Nanomonestotse\") (cultural) [National School Lunch Week](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_School_Lunch_Week \"National School Lunch Week\") (week) [Native American Day in South Dakota](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_American_Day \"Native American Day\") (SD) [Nevada Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nevada_Day \"Nevada Day\") (NV) [Spirit Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spirit_Day \"Spirit Day\") (cultural) [Sweetest Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sweetest_Day \"Sweetest Day\") [Sukkot \/ Feast of Tabernacles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sukkot \"Sukkot\") (religious, week) [Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Virgin_Islands%E2%80%93Puerto_Rico_Friendship_Day \"Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day\") (PR, VI) [White Cane Safety Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/White_Cane_Safety_Day \"White Cane Safety Day\") (36) |\n| October–November | [Birth of the Báb](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Twin_Holy_Birthdays \"Twin Holy Birthdays\") (religious) [Birth of Baháʼu'lláh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Birth_of_Bah%C3%A1%CA%BCu%27ll%C3%A1h \"Birth of Baháʼu'lláh\") (religious) [Day of the Dead](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_the_Dead \"Day of the Dead\") (VI) [Diwali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diwali \"Diwali\") (NY, religious) [Mawlid al-Nabi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mawlid \"Mawlid\") (religious) |\n| November  [Native American Indian Heritage Month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_American_Indian_Heritage_Month \"Native American Indian Heritage Month\") | [Veterans Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Veterans_Day \"Veterans Day\") (federal) [Thanksgiving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thanksgiving_\\(United_States\\) \"Thanksgiving (United States)\") (federal) [Ascension of ‘Abdu’l Baha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CA%BBAbdu%27l-Bah%C3%A1 \"ʻAbdu'l-Bahá\") (religious) [All Saints' Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All_Saints%27_Day \"All Saints' Day\") (religious) [Beginning of the Nativity Fast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nativity_Fast \"Nativity Fast\") (religious) [Beltane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beltane \"Beltane\") \/ [Samhain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samhain \"Samhain\") (religious) [Barack Obama Day in Alabama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barack_Obama_Day \"Barack Obama Day\") (Perry County, AL) [D. Hamilton Jackson Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/D._Hamilton_Jackson \"D. Hamilton Jackson\") (VI) [Day after Thanksgiving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_Friday_\\(shopping\\) \"Black Friday (shopping)\") (24) [Day of the Covenant](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_the_Covenant_\\(Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD\\) \"Day of the Covenant (Baháʼí)\") (religious) [Discovery of Puerto Rico Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Discovery_of_Puerto_Rico \"Discovery of Puerto Rico\") (PR) [Election Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Election_Day_\\(United_States\\) \"Election Day (United States)\") (CA, DE, HI, KY, MT, NJ, NY, OH, PR, VA, WV, proposed federal) [Family Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Family_Day \"Family Day\") (NV) [Friendsgiving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Friendsgiving \"Friendsgiving\") [Guru Nanak Gurpurab](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Nanak_Gurpurab \"Guru Nanak Gurpurab\") (religious) [Hanukkah](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanukkah \"Hanukkah\") (religious) [Lā Kūʻokoʻa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Independence_Day_\\(Hawaii\\) \"Independence Day (Hawaii)\") (HI, unofficial, cultural) [Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur \"Guru Tegh Bahadur\") (religious) [Native American Heritage Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_American_Heritage_Day \"Native American Heritage Day\") (MD, WA, cultural) [Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Presentation_of_Mary \"Presentation of Mary\") (religious) [Trans Day of Remembrance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance \"Transgender Day of Remembrance\") (cultural) [Unthanksgiving Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Unthanksgiving_Day \"Unthanksgiving Day\") (cultural) |\n| December | [Christmas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christmas \"Christmas\") (religious, federal) [New Year's Eve](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Year%27s_Eve \"New Year's Eve\") [Advent Sunday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Advent_Sunday \"Advent Sunday\") (religious) [Alabama Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alabama_Day \"Alabama Day\") (AL) [Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guru_Gobind_Singh \"Guru Gobind Singh\") (religious) [Bodhi Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodhi_Day \"Bodhi Day\") (religious) [Chalica](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chalica \"Chalica\") (religious) [Christmas Eve](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christmas_Eve \"Christmas Eve\") (KY, NC, SC, PR, VI) [Day after Christmas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boxing_Day \"Boxing Day\") (KY, NC, SC, TX, VI) [Festivus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Festivus \"Festivus\") [HumanLight](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HumanLight \"HumanLight\") [Hanukkah](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanukkah \"Hanukkah\") (religious, week) [Immaculate Conception](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Immaculate_Conception \"Immaculate Conception\") (religious) [Indiana Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indiana_Day \"Indiana Day\") (IN) [Kwanzaa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kwanzaa \"Kwanzaa\") (cultural, week) [Milad Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mohammed_Burhanuddin \"Mohammed Burhanuddin\") (religious) [National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Pearl_Harbor_Remembrance_Day \"National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day\") (36) [Nativity of Jesus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nativity_of_Jesus \"Nativity of Jesus\") (religious) [Old Year's Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Year%27s_Eve \"New Year's Eve\") (VI) [Pan American Aviation Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pan_American_Aviation_Day \"Pan American Aviation Day\") (36) [Pancha Ganapati](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sivaya_Subramuniyaswami \"Sivaya Subramuniyaswami\") (religious, week) [Rosa Parks Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rosa_Parks_Day \"Rosa Parks Day\") (OH, OR) [Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Solemnity_of_Mary,_Mother_of_God \"Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God\") (religious) [Wright Brothers Day](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wright_Brothers_Day \"Wright Brothers Day\") (36) [Yule](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yule \"Yule\") (religious) [Zartosht No-Diso](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zartosht_No-Diso \"Zartosht No-Diso\") (religious) |\n| Varies (year round) | [Eid al-Adha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_al-Adha \"Eid al-Adha\") (NY, religious) [Eid al-Fitr](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_al-Fitr \"Eid al-Fitr\") (NY, religious) [Islamic New Year](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Islamic_New_Year \"Islamic New Year\") (religious) [Yawm al-Arafa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_Arafah \"Day of Arafah\") (religious) [Laylat al-Qadr](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laylat_al-Qadr \"Laylat al-Qadr\") (religious) [Navaratri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navaratri \"Navaratri\") (religious, four times a year) [Obon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Festival \"Bon Festival\") (religious) [Onam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Onam \"Onam\") (religious) [Ramadan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ramadan \"Ramadan\") (religious, month) [Ghost Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_Festival \"Ghost Festival\") (religious) [Yawm Aashura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ashura \"Ashura\") (religious) |\n| Legend: (federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state\/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific [racial\/ethnic group](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Race_and_ethnicity_in_the_United_States_census \"Race and ethnicity in the United States census\") or [sexual minority](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_minority \"Sexual minority\"), (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = [Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Title_36_of_the_United_States_Code \"Title 36 of the United States Code\") See also: [Lists of holidays](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lists_of_holidays \"Lists of holidays\"), [Hallmark holidays](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hallmark_holiday \"Hallmark holiday\"), [Public holidays in the United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_holidays_in_the_United_States \"Public holidays in the United States\"), [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_holidays_in_Puerto_Rico \"Public holidays in Puerto Rico\") and the [United States Virgin Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_holidays_in_the_United_States_Virgin_Islands \"Public holidays in the United States Virgin Islands\"). |   |\n\n![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:CentralAutoLogin\/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1)\n\nRetrieved from 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In countries such as the [United Kingdom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Kingdom \"United Kingdom\"), Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word *shrive*, meaning \"to administer the sacrament of [confession](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confession_\\(religion\\) \"Confession (religion)\") to; to absolve\".[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)\n\nBackground\n\nDuring the [liturgical season](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liturgical_year \"Liturgical year\") of Lent, some Christians [abstain from the consumption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lenten_sacrifice \"Lenten sacrifice\") of certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the [Anabaptist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anabaptism \"Anabaptism\"), [Baptist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baptists \"Baptists\"), [Methodist](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Methodism \"Methodism\"), and [Reformed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reformed_Christianity \"Reformed Christianity\") traditions.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-OPC-6)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Benedict2014-7)[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Mennonite-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-FTU2012-9)[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Moore2008-10) [Shrovetide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrovetide \"Shrovetide\") provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13)\n\nPrior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the [Black Fast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Black_Fast \"Black Fast\"), which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [vegetarian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christian_vegetarianism \"Christian vegetarianism\") meal and water after sunset.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) The tradition of [pancake breakfasts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pancake_breakfast \"Pancake breakfast\") during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of \"using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter\" prior to Lent.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-CollinsMartin2005-14)\n\nThe specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in [Slavic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Slavs \"Slavs\") [paganism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paganism \"Paganism\"), with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-15)[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-16) Specifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-17)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-18)\n\nIn many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the [church bells](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Church_bell \"Church bell\") (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes\".[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-19)[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cocks1897-20)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-21) As such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Beadle1994-23)[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) The last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such \"because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent\" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4)\n\nTraditions\n\nThe festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\").[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Some traditions, such as the one in [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from [Twelfth Night](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Twelfth_Night_\\(holiday\\) \"Twelfth Night (holiday)\") (the last night of Christmas which begins [Epiphany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epiphany_\\(holiday\\) \"Epiphany (holiday)\")) to Ash Wednesday.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Wild\/Dufour\/Cowan_\\(seas\/New_Orl.\\)-25) Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-26)\n\nIn [Mobile, Alabama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\"), Mardi Gras–[associated social events begin in November](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\"), followed by [mystic society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\") balls[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MCA-27) New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before [Ash Wednesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ash_Wednesday \"Ash Wednesday\"). In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24) Carnival (or [Fastelavn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fastelavn \"Fastelavn\") or [Shrovetide](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrovetide \"Shrovetide\")) is an important celebration in [Lutheran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lutheran \"Lutheran\"), [Anglican](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anglican \"Anglican\") and [Catholic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Catholic \"Catholic\") European nations.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b3\/MardiGrasDakar.JPG\/250px-MardiGrasDakar.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:MardiGrasDakar.JPG)\n\nMardi Gras in [Dakar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dakar \"Dakar\"), Senegal\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/de\/Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg\/250px-Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in [Marseille](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marseille \"Marseille\"), France\n\nBelgium\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/71\/Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg\/250px-Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in [Binche](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Binche \"Binche\"), Belgium\n\nThe three-day [Carnival of Binche](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_of_Binche \"Carnival of Binche\"), near [Mons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mons,_Belgium \"Mons, Belgium\"), is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\") (or Mardi Gras) just before [Lent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lent \"Lent\"). Performers known as [Gilles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gilles \"Gilles\") wear elaborate costumes in the [national colours](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_colours \"National colours\") of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw [oranges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Orange_\\(fruit\\) \"Orange (fruit)\") at the crowd.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-28) In 2003, it was recognized by [UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\") as one of the [Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Masterpieces_of_the_Oral_and_Intangible_Heritage_of_Humanity \"Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity\").[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LP223-29)\n\nCzech Republic\n\nIn the [Czech Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Czech_Republic \"Czech Republic\"), it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including [Prague](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prague \"Prague\"),[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Masopust-30) but the tradition also prevails in villages such as [Staré Hamry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Star%C3%A9_Hamry \"Staré Hamry\"), whose door-to-door processions made it to the [UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_World_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_List \"UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List\").[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-31)\n\nGermany\n\nThe celebration on the same day in [Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\") knows many different terms, depending on the region, such as [Fastnacht](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht \"Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht\"), meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as [Karneval](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria \"Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria\") or [Fasching](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fasching \"Fasching\") in Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. It is also often referred to as the \"fifth season\", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11\/11 11:11).\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] and ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht.\n\nKarneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as *Schmutziger Donnerstag* or *Fetter Donnerstag* ([Fat Thursday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fat_Thursday \"Fat Thursday\")), *Unsinniger Donnerstag* (Nonsense Thursday), *Altweiberfastnacht*, *Greesentag* and others. In [standard German](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_German \"Standard German\"), *schmutzig* means \"dirty\", but in the Alemannic dialects *schmotzig* means \"lard\" ([Schmalz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Schmalz \"Schmalz\")), or \"fat\";[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Schmotzig-32) thus \"Greasy Thursday\", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual \"takeover\" of the town halls by local women has become tradition.\n\nItaly\n\nIn [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\") Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday). It is the main day of [Carnival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnival \"Carnival\") along with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous [Carnivals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnivals \"Carnivals\") in northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian [Sartiglia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sartiglia \"Sartiglia\") and the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic \"[Battle of Oranges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Battle_of_the_Oranges \"Battle of the Oranges\")\" that finds its roots in medieval times. The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-33)\n\nSweden\n\nIn [Sweden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sweden \"Sweden\") the celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called [Semla](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Semla \"Semla\"). The name comes from the words \"fett\" (fat) and \"tisdag\" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat [fastlagsbullar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fastlagsbulle \"Fastlagsbulle\").[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-semla-34)\n\nUnited Kingdom\n\nSee [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\").\n\nUnited States\n\nWhile not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a [French Catholic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Catholic \"French Catholic\") tradition with the Le Moyne brothers,[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pierre_Le_Moyne_d%27Iberville \"Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville\") and [Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville \"Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville\"), in the late 17th century, when King [Louis XIV](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louis_XIV \"Louis XIV\") sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of *[Louisiane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louisiana_\\(New_France\\) \"Louisiana (New France)\")*, which included what are now the U.S. states of [Alabama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alabama \"Alabama\"), [Mississippi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mississippi \"Mississippi\"), [Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Louisiana \"Louisiana\") and part of eastern [Texas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Texas \"Texas\").[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\n\nThe expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the [Mississippi River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mississippi_River \"Mississippi River\") on the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style), [Lundi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lundi_Gras \"Lundi Gras\"). They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by [René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier,_Sieur_de_La_Salle \"René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle\") in 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\") is today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot *Point du Mardi Gras* (French: \"Mardi Gras Point\") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-36)\n\n[Bienville](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville \"Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville\") went on to found the settlement of [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\") (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) In 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the [first organised Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\") celebration tradition in what was to become the United States.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38)[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LOCgras-39)[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MBAYgras-40) The first informal [mystic society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\"), or [krewe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe \"Krewe\"), was formed in Mobile in 1711, the *Boeuf Gras Society*.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38) Then came the [Striker's Independent Society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Striker%27s_Independent_Society \"Striker's Independent Society\") in 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the [Order of Myths](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Order_of_Myths \"Order of Myths\") or \"OOMs\" in 1867.\n\nIn 1720, [Biloxi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biloxi,_Mississippi \"Biloxi, Mississippi\") had been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/12\/Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg\/250px-Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)\n\nKnights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season.\n\nIn 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), founded in 1718.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with [Bernard de Marigny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bernard_de_Marigny \"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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan *[Laissez les bons temps rouler](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laissez_les_bons_temps_rouler \"Laissez les bons temps rouler\")* (\"Let the good times roll\"), as floats \"roll\".[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\\[*[failed verification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Verifiability \"Wikipedia:Verifiability\")*\\]\n\nFestivities formally began in 1853 when a group of [Protestant](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protestantism \"Protestantism\") [Anglo-Americans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anglo-Americans \"Anglo-Americans\"), some members of [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\") [Mystic Societies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mystic_society \"Mystic society\"), formed the first \"old-line\" krewe, The [Mistick Krewe of Comus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mistick_Krewe_of_Comus \"Mistick Krewe of Comus\"), based on [Bernard de Marigny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bernard_de_Marigny \"Bernard de Marigny\")'s 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal [tableau vivant](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tableau_vivant \"Tableau vivant\") and presentation of debutants, followed by a formal [ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ball_\\(dance_event\\) \"Ball (dance event)\"). The [Twelfth Night Revelers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Twelfth_Night_Revelers \"Twelfth Night Revelers\") were formed in 1870, again with ties to [Mobile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile,_Alabama \"Mobile, Alabama\"), but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The [Knights of Momus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Knights_of_Momus \"Knights of Momus\") and [Rex](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rex_parade \"Rex parade\") came about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the [Krewe of Proteus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Proteus \"Krewe of Proteus\") being formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the [Knights of Chaos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Knights_of_Chaos \"Knights of Chaos\") replacing Momus.\n\nThe parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as \"super krewes\") came later, during the 1960s\/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of [Endymion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Endymion \"Krewe of Endymion\") (Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at [Caesars Superdome](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caesars_Superdome \"Caesars Superdome\")), [Bacchus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Krewe_of_Bacchus \"Krewe of Bacchus\") (Sunday), and [Zulu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zulu_Social_Aid_%26_Pleasure_Club \"Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club\") and [Rex](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rex_parade \"Rex parade\") (Tuesday).\n\nOther cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from [Pensacola, Florida](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pensacola,_Florida \"Pensacola, Florida\"), and [Galveston, Texas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Galveston,_Texas \"Galveston, Texas\"), to [Lake Charles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lake_Charles,_Louisiana \"Lake Charles, Louisiana\") and [Lafayette, Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lafayette,_Louisiana \"Lafayette, Louisiana\"), and north to [Natchez, Mississippi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Natchez,_Mississippi \"Natchez, Mississippi\"), and [Alexandria, Louisiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alexandria,_Louisiana \"Alexandria, Louisiana\"), have active Mardi Gras celebrations.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nGalveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's \"King Henry IV\" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or \"Krewes\" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials \"K.O.M.\") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as \"The Crusades\", \"Peter the Great\", and \"Ancient France\", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn the rural [Acadiana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acadiana \"Acadiana\") area, many [Cajuns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cajuns \"Cajuns\") celebrate with the *[Courir de Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras \"Courir de Mardi Gras\")*, a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-41)\n\n[St. Louis, Missouri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Louis,_Missouri \"St. Louis, Missouri\"), founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-42) The celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood, [Soulard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soulard,_St._Louis \"Soulard, St. Louis\"), and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-43) Although founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-44) The city's celebration begins with \"12th night\", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-45)\n\nCostumes\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/96\/Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg\/250px-Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937\n\nMardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Gabbert1999-46) as well as clowns and [Native Americans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States \"Native Americans in the United States\").[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-47)\n\nExposure by women\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/12\/MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG\/250px-MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)\n\nA topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009\n\nAlthough the [Church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christian_Church \"Christian Church\") teaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of [modesty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Modesty#Christianity \"Modesty\"),[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-O'Malley-48)[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cuthbert2018-49) the practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in [New Orleans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Orleans \"New Orleans\"), US, has been documented since 1889, when the *Times-Democrat* decried the \"degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets.\" The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-sparks-50)[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) In the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day, [flashers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Exhibitionism \"Exhibitionism\") on balconies cause crowds to form on the streets.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nIn the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial [videotapes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Videotape \"Videotape\") catering to [voyeurs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Voyeurism \"Voyeurism\") helped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Social scientists studying \"ritual disrobement\" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51)\n\nFurther information on the traveling bead art exhibition: [Bead Town](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bead_Town \"Bead Town\")\n\nSee also\n\n- [Carnaval de Ponce](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carnaval_de_Ponce \"Carnaval de Ponce\") – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico\n- [Bœuf Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/B%C5%93uf_Gras \"Bœuf Gras\") – French traditional holiday figure\n- [Fantasy Fest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fantasy_Fest \"Fantasy Fest\") – Street party in Key West, Florida\n- [Fat Thursday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fat_Thursday \"Fat Thursday\") – Christian tradition before Lent\n- [Maslenitsa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maslenitsa \"Maslenitsa\") – Slavic folk and Christian holiday\n- [Shrove Tuesday](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shrove_Tuesday \"Shrove Tuesday\") – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday\n- [Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sydney_Gay_and_Lesbian_Mardi_Gras \"Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras\") – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia\n- [Tsiknopempti](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tsiknopempti \"Tsiknopempti\") – Greek traditional feast\n- [Užgavėnės](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s \"Užgavėnės\") – Lithuanian festival\n\nReferences\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-1)**\n   [Wells, John C.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_C._Wells \"John C. Wells\") (2008). *Longman Pronunciation Dictionary* (3rd ed.). Longman. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-4058-8118-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4058-8118-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4058-8118-0\")\n   \n   .\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-2)**\n   [Jones, Daniel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daniel_Jones_\\(phonetician\\) \"Daniel Jones (phonetician)\") (2011). [Roach, Peter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peter_Roach_\\(phonetician\\) \"Peter Roach (phonetician)\"); [Setter, Jane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jane_Setter \"Jane Setter\"); [Esling, John](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Esling \"John Esling\") (eds.). *[Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/English_Pronouncing_Dictionary \"English Pronouncing Dictionary\")* (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-0-521-15255-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-521-15255-6 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-521-15255-6\")\n   \n   .\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-3)**\n   [\"Mardi Gras (n.)\"](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/OED\/9489225210). *[Oxford English Dictionary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oxford_English_Dictionary \"Oxford English Dictionary\")* (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1093\/OED\/9489225210](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093%2FOED%2F9489225210).\n   \n   (Subscription or [participating institution membership](https:\/\/www.oed.com\/public\/login\/loggingin#withyourlibrary) required.)\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-3)\n   Rose, David (1995). *Christianity*. Folens Limited. p. 9. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [978-1-85276-765-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-85276-765-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-85276-765-5\")\n   \n   . \"Shrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties.\"\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-1)\n   Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008). [*Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&q=Anglican+Mardi+Gras&pg=PA354). [ABC-CLIO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ABC-CLIO \"ABC-CLIO\"). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [9780313086892](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780313086892 \"Special:BookSources\/9780313086892\")\n   \n   . \"In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as *Shrove Tuesday*—from *shrive* meaning \"confess\"—or *Pancake Day*—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.\"\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-OPC_6-0)**\n   [\"Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?\"](https:\/\/www.opc.org\/qa.html?question_id=365). Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024. \"Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant.\"\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Benedict2014_7-0)**\n   Benedict, Philip (2002). [*Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=JKj_x3W01hoC&q=lent). New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n   \n   [0-300-08812-4](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-300-08812-4 \"Special:BookSources\/0-300-08812-4\")\n   \n   .\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Mennonite_8-0)**\n   [*Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent*](https:\/\/thirdwaycafe.com\/glossary\/lent\/#:~:text=The%20choice%20to%20fast%20or,await%20the%20promise%20of%20Easter.). Third Way Media. Retrieved 3 November 2024. \"Traditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter.\"\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-FTU2012_9-0)**\n   Brumley, Jeff (12 March 2012). [\"Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals\"](http:\/\/jacksonville.com\/news\/metro\/2012-03-12\/story\/lent-not-just-catholics-also-some-baptists-and-other-evangelicals). *[The Florida Times-Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Florida_Times-Union \"The Florida Times-Union\")*. Jacksonville, Florida. Retrieved 3 November 2024.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Moore2008_10-0)**\n    Moore, Scott (2008). \"The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars\". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). \\[978-0881461046 *The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education*\\]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143. \"In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up.\"\n11. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-1)\n    Campbell, Georgina (May 2005). *The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive*. Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-903164-15-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-903164-15-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-903164-15-0\")\n    \n    . \"Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade.\"\n12. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-1)\n    Butler, Alban (1839). *The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church*. Dublin: James Duffy. pp. 144–146\\. \"The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.\"\n13. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-1)\n    Butler, Alban (1774). *The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church*. C. Kiernan. p. 257. \"It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.\"\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-CollinsMartin2005_14-0)**\n    Collins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005). *Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports*. Psychology Press. p. 202. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0415352246](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0415352246 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0415352246\")\n    \n    . \"The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes.\"\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-15)**\n    Gornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025). [\"The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations\"](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/pictures\/amazing-history-of-pancake-celebrations\/7\/). CBS News.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?\"](https:\/\/www.visitheritage.co.uk\/inspiration\/visit-heritage-blog\/read\/2023\/02\/why-do-we-eat-pancakes-on-shrove-tuesday-b302). *visitheritage.co.uk*. 20 February 2023.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-17)**\n    [\"The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday\"](https:\/\/www.history.co.uk\/articles\/the-pagan-roots-of-pancake-day). *History.co.uk*.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-18)**\n    Hughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023). [\"Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe\"](https:\/\/www.discoverbritain.com\/history\/traditions\/shrove-tuesday-all-you-need-to-know\/). *discoverbritain.com*.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-19)**\n    [\"What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?\"](https:\/\/www.christianity.com\/wiki\/holidays\/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html). [Christianity.com](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christianity.com \"Christianity.com\"). 13 February 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024. \"In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) \"to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent\" and for people to \"begin frying their pancakes.\"\"\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cocks1897_20-0)**\n    Cocks, Alfred Heneage (1897). *The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; \\&c*. Jarrold & sons. p. 276.\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-21)**\n    Pulleyn, William (1828). *The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions*. [Richard Griffin and Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Richard_Griffin_and_Company \"Richard Griffin and Company\"). p. 192.\n22. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-1)\n    [\"Shrovetide\"](https:\/\/www.lutheranchurch.dk\/liturgy-and-worship\/festivals-and-traditions\/shrovetide). [Church of Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Church_of_Denmark \"Church of Denmark\"). Retrieved 8 February 2021.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Beadle1994_23-0)**\n    Beadle, Richard (17 March 1994). [*The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/cambridgecompani00rich_1\/page\/69). Cambridge University Press. p. [69](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/cambridgecompani00rich_1\/page\/69). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9780521459167](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9780521459167 \"Special:BookSources\/9780521459167\")\n    \n    . \"One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and *Mankind* bears signs of being one of them (*335*).\"\n24. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-2)\n    [\"Mardi Gras Terminology\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071209165238\/http:\/\/www.mobile.org\/vis_mardigras_terms.php). *Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mobile.org\/vis_mardigras_terms.php) on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Wild\/Dufour\/Cowan_\\(seas\/New_Orl.\\)_25-0)**\n    Wilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996). [*Louisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CyI14B5pua8C&q=mardi+gras+season+from+twelfth+night+to+ash+wednesday+new+orleans&pg=PA157). Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0807118931](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0807118931 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0807118931\")\n    \n    . Retrieved 11 December 2015.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-26)**\n    Bratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010). [\"The Season of Lent\"](http:\/\/www.crivoice.org\/cylent.html). Christian Resource Institute. Retrieved 25 June 2016.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MCA_27-0)**\n    \"Mobile Carnival Association, 1927\", MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage: [mardigrasdigest-Mobile](http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/Bureau\/Mobile\/mobile_carnival_association.htm)\n    \n    [\"Mobile Carnival Association\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060307233517\/http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/Bureau\/Mobile\/mobile_carnival_association.htm). Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2018.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-28)**\n    [\"The best Belgian folklore festivals\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130804122549\/http:\/\/www.expatica.com\/nl\/leisure\/travel_tourism\/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html). expatica.com. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.expatica.com\/nl\/leisure\/travel_tourism\/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html) on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2012.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LP223_29-0)**\n    Cole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007). *Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg* (3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-74104-237-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-74104-237-5 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-74104-237-5\")\n    \n    .\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Masopust_30-0)**\n    [\"Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague\"](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p3IqY-QsJgc). [Archived](https:\/\/ghostarchive.org\/varchive\/youtube\/20211211\/p3IqY-QsJgc) from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2016 – via [YouTube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/YouTube \"YouTube\").\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Staročeský masopust Hamry\"](https:\/\/www.masopusthamry.cz\/). Retrieved 16 December 2017.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Schmotzig_32-0)**\n    [\"Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?\"](https:\/\/www.rontaler.ch\/20330\/woher-hat-der-schmutzige-donnerstag-seinen-namen). *Regionalzeitung Rontaler AG* (in German). 17 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015.\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-33)**\n    Killinger, Charles L. (2005). [*Culture and Customs of Italy*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/culturecustomsof00char). Greenwood Publishing Group. p. [94](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/culturecustomsof00char\/page\/94). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0313324895](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0313324895 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0313324895\")\n    \n    . \"mardi gras in italy.\"\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-semla_34-0)**\n    [\"Swedish semla: more than just a bun\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110606090150\/http:\/\/www.sweden.se\/eng\/Home\/Lifestyle\/Traditions\/Reading\/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun\/). *Sweden.se*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.sweden.se\/eng\/Home\/Lifestyle\/Traditions\/Reading\/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun\/) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011.\n35. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-4)  \"New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline \" (event list), Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage: [MG-time](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101124195528\/http:\/\/www.mardigrasdigest.com\/html\/mardi_gras_history__timeline.htm)\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-36)**\n    [\"9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras\"](http:\/\/www.history.com\/news\/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-mardi-gras). *History.com*. Retrieved 17 August 2017.\n37. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-1) \"Timeline 18th Century:\" (events), Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: [TLine-1700-1724](http:\/\/timelines.ws\/1700_1724.HTML) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100701122153\/http:\/\/timelines.ws\/1700_1724.HTML) 1 July 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"): on \"1702–1711\" of Mobile.\n38. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-1)\n    [\"Carnival\/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline\"](http:\/\/www.museumofmobile.com\/timeline.php). *Museum of Mobile*. Retrieved 18 July 2012.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LOCgras_39-0)**  \"Mardi Gras in Mobile\" (history), [Jeff Sessions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jeff_Sessions \"Jeff Sessions\"), Senator, [Library of Congress](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Library_of_Congress \"Library of Congress\"), 2006, webpage: [LibCongress-2665](http:\/\/lcweb2.loc.gov\/cocoon\/legacies\/AL\/200002665.html).\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MBAYgras_40-0)**  \"Mardi Gras\" (history), Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage: [MGmobile](https:\/\/www.mobile.org\/ab_mardigras.php\/ab_mardigras_history.php).\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-41)**\n    [Barry Jean Ancelet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barry_Jean_Ancelet \"Barry Jean Ancelet\") (1989). [*Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras*](https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/capitainevoyaget00ance). Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [0-940984-46-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-940984-46-6 \"Special:BookSources\/0-940984-46-6\")\n    \n    .\n42. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-42)**\n    Geiling, Natasha. [\"Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans\"](https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/travel\/best-places-celebrate-mardi-gras-outside-new-orleans-180954286\/). *Smithsonian*. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n43. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-43)**\n    Houser, Dave G. [\"7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)\"](http:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/lifestyles\/travel\/ct-mardi-gras-celebrations-not-in-new-orleans-20170131-story.html). *chicagotribune.com*. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n44. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-44)**\n    [\"Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood\"](http:\/\/www.allaboutmardigras.com\/Features\/soulardhistory.html). *allaboutmardigras.com*. Retrieved 12 February 2018.\n45. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-45)**\n    [\"12th Night \\| Soulard Mardi Gras 2018\"](https:\/\/stlmardigras.org\/events\/12th-night). *stlmardigras.org*. St. Louis, MO. Retrieved 11 February 2018.\n46. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Gabbert1999_46-0)**\n    Lisa Gabbert (1999). [*Mardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=4T2D0H8KJDAC&pg=PA4). The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-8239-5337-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-5337-0 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-8239-5337-0\")\n    \n    .\n47. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-47)**\n    [*A Mardi Gras Dictionary*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=QJzd111SBGwC&pg=PT6). Pelican Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-4556-0836-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-4556-0836-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-4556-0836-2\")\n    \n    .\n48. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-O'Malley_48-0)**\n    O'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022). *Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life*. Ave Maria Press. p. 13. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-1-64680-157-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-64680-157-2 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-64680-157-2\")\n    \n    .\n49. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cuthbert2018_49-0)**\n    Cuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018). [\"Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras\"](https:\/\/medium.com\/iron-ladies\/why-we-celebrate-mardi-gras-a185f0eee70a). Iron Ladies. Retrieved 17 April 2024. \"And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged.\"\n50. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-sparks_50-0)** Sparks, R. [\"American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future\"](https:\/\/nuevomundo.revues.org\/document3941.html). *La Louisiane à la dérive*. [The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio](https:\/\/nuevomundo.revues.org\/sommaire2899.html#rub3927). 16 December 2005.\n51. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-1) Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. [\"Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order\"](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/2580408). *Social Forces*, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458.\n\nExternal links\n\n[![Wikimedia Commons logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Mardi Gras](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Mardi_Gras \"commons:Category:Mardi Gras\").\n\n- [Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations](http:\/\/worldmusic.about.com\/od\/northamerican\/p\/CajunMardiGras.htm) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110707075116\/http:\/\/worldmusic.about.com\/od\/northamerican\/p\/CajunMardiGras.htm) 7 July 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n- [Mardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama](https:\/\/www.encyclopediaofalabama.org\/face\/Article.jsp?id=h-1437)\n- [Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/gallery\/2009\/jan\/21\/mardi-gras-carnival-festivals-guide) – slideshow by *[The Guardian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Guardian \"The Guardian\")*\n- [Fashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes](http:\/\/libmma.contentdm.oclc.org\/cdm\/search\/collection\/p15324coll12\/searchterm\/mardi%20gras\/order\/nosort) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Mardi Gras Celebrations in New Orleans , Louisiana, U.S. Also called Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday , Pancake Tuesday Type Christian, cultural Significance Celebration period before fasting season of Lent Celebrations Parades, parties Date Day before Ash Wednesday , 47 days before Easter , 2 days after Shrove Sunday 2025 date March 4 2026 date February 17 2027 date February 9 2028 date February 29 Frequency Annual Related to Shrove Tuesday , Carnival , Shrove Monday , Pre-Lent , Ash Wednesday , Lent , Užgavėnės , Maslenitsa Mardi Gras ( ; ), [ 1 ] [ 2 ] also known as Shrove Tuesday , is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn ); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday . [ 3 ] Mardi Gras ( [maʁdi ɡʁa] ) is French for " Fat Tuesday ", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably red meat , in preparation for the Christian fasting season of Lent , during which such foods are avoided. [ 4 ] Related popular practices are associated with Carnival celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. In countries such as the United Kingdom , Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive , meaning "to administer the sacrament of confession to; to absolve". [ 5 ] Background During the liturgical season of Lent, some Christians abstain from the consumption of certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the Anabaptist , Baptist , Methodist , and Reformed traditions. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] Shrovetide provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] Prior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the Black Fast , which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one vegetarian meal and water after sunset. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] The tradition of pancake breakfasts during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of "using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter" prior to Lent. [ 11 ] [ 14 ] The specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in Slavic paganism , with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual. [ 15 ] [ 16 ] Specifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached. [ 17 ] [ 18 ] In many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes". [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] As such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season. [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 4 ] The last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such "because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance. [ 4 ] Traditions The festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with Shrove Tuesday . [ 4 ] Some traditions, such as the one in New Orleans , Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas which begins Epiphany ) to Ash Wednesday. [ 24 ] [ 25 ] Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras. [ 26 ] In Mobile, Alabama , Mardi Gras– associated social events begin in November , followed by mystic society balls [ 24 ] [ 27 ] New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before Ash Wednesday . In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day. [ 24 ] Carnival (or Fastelavn or Shrovetide ) is an important celebration in Lutheran , Anglican and Catholic European nations. [ 5 ] [ 22 ] Mardi Gras in Dakar , Senegal Mardi Gras in Marseille , France Belgium Mardi Gras in Binche , Belgium The three-day Carnival of Binche , near Mons , is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) just before Lent . Performers known as Gilles wear elaborate costumes in the national colours of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw oranges at the crowd. [ 28 ] In 2003, it was recognized by UNESCO as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity . [ 29 ] Czech Republic In the Czech Republic , it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including Prague , [ 30 ] but the tradition also prevails in villages such as Staré Hamry , whose door-to-door processions made it to the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List . [ 31 ] Germany The celebration on the same day in Germany knows many different terms, depending on the region, such as Fastnacht , meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as Karneval or Fasching in Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. It is also often referred to as the "fifth season", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11/11 11:11). [ citation needed ] and ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht. Karneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as Schmutziger Donnerstag or Fetter Donnerstag ( Fat Thursday ), Unsinniger Donnerstag (Nonsense Thursday), Altweiberfastnacht , Greesentag and others. In standard German , schmutzig means "dirty", but in the Alemannic dialects schmotzig means "lard" ( Schmalz ), or "fat"; [ 32 ] thus "Greasy Thursday", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual "takeover" of the town halls by local women has become tradition. Italy In Italy Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday). It is the main day of Carnival along with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous Carnivals in northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian Sartiglia and the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic " Battle of Oranges " that finds its roots in medieval times. The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale. [ 33 ] Sweden In Sweden the celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called Semla . The name comes from the words "fett" (fat) and "tisdag" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat fastlagsbullar . [ 34 ] United Kingdom See Shrove Tuesday . United States While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, [ 35 ] Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville , in the late 17th century, when King Louis XIV sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiane , which included what are now the U.S. states of Alabama , Mississippi , Louisiana and part of eastern Texas . [ 35 ] The expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the Mississippi River on the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style), Lundi Gras . They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle in 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where New Orleans is today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras (French: "Mardi Gras Point") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras. [ 36 ] Bienville went on to found the settlement of Mobile (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana. [ 37 ] In 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the first organised Mardi Gras celebration tradition in what was to become the United States. [ 35 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] The first informal mystic society , or krewe , was formed in Mobile in 1711, the Boeuf Gras Society . [ 38 ] Then came the Striker's Independent Society in 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the Order of Myths or "OOMs" in 1867. In 1720, Biloxi had been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there. [ 35 ] Knights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans , founded in 1718. [ 37 ] 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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan Laissez les bons temps rouler ("Let the good times roll"), as floats "roll". [ 35 ] [ failed verification ] Festivities formally began in 1853 when a group of Protestant Anglo-Americans , some members of Mobile Mystic Societies , formed the first "old-line" krewe, The Mistick Krewe of Comus , based on Bernard de Marigny 's 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal tableau vivant and presentation of debutants, followed by a formal ball . The Twelfth Night Revelers were formed in 1870, again with ties to Mobile , but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The Knights of Momus and Rex came about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the Krewe of Proteus being formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the Knights of Chaos replacing Momus. The parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as "super krewes") came later, during the 1960s/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of Endymion (Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at Caesars Superdome ), Bacchus (Sunday), and Zulu and Rex (Tuesday). Other cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from Pensacola, Florida , and Galveston, Texas , to Lake Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana , and north to Natchez, Mississippi , and Alexandria, Louisiana , have active Mardi Gras celebrations. [ citation needed ] Galveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as "The Crusades", "Peter the Great", and "Ancient France", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala. [ citation needed ] In the rural Acadiana area, many Cajuns celebrate with the Courir de Mardi Gras , a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France. [ 41 ] St. Louis, Missouri , founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. [ 42 ] The celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood, Soulard , and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country. [ 43 ] Although founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s. [ 44 ] The city's celebration begins with "12th night", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage. [ 45 ] Costumes Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937 Mardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes [ 46 ] as well as clowns and Native Americans . [ 47 ] Exposure by women A topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009 Although the Church teaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of modesty , [ 48 ] [ 49 ] the practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in New Orleans , US, has been documented since 1889, when the Times-Democrat decried the "degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets." The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area. [ 50 ] [ 51 ] In the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day, flashers on balconies cause crowds to form on the streets. [ citation needed ] In the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial videotapes catering to voyeurs helped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Social scientists studying "ritual disrobement" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors. [ 51 ] Further information on the traveling bead art exhibition: Bead Town See also Carnaval de Ponce – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico Bœuf Gras – French traditional holiday figure Fantasy Fest – Street party in Key West, Florida Fat Thursday – Christian tradition before Lent Maslenitsa – Slavic folk and Christian holiday Shrove Tuesday – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia Tsiknopempti – Greek traditional feast Užgavėnės – Lithuanian festival References ^ Wells, John C. (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0 . ^ Jones, Daniel (2011). Roach, Peter ; Setter, Jane ; Esling, John (eds.). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-15255-6 . ^ "Mardi Gras (n.)" . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi : 10.1093/OED/9489225210 . (Subscription or participating institution membership required.) ^ a b c d Rose, David (1995). Christianity . Folens Limited. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-85276-765-5 . Shrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties. ^ a b Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008). Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl . ABC-CLIO . ISBN 9780313086892 . In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as Shrove Tuesday —from shrive meaning "confess"—or Pancake Day —after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes. ^ "Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?" . Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024 . Retrieved 3 November 2024 . Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant. ^ Benedict, Philip (2002). Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism . New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496. ISBN 0-300-08812-4 . ^ Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent . Third Way Media . Retrieved 3 November 2024 . Traditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter. ^ Brumley, Jeff (12 March 2012). "Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals" . The Florida Times-Union . Jacksonville, Florida . Retrieved 3 November 2024 . ^ Moore, Scott (2008). "The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). [978-0881461046 The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education ]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143. In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up. ^ a b Campbell, Georgina (May 2005). The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive . Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-903164-15-0 . Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade. ^ a b Butler, Alban (1839). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church . Dublin: James Duffy. pp. 144– 146. The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds. ^ a b Butler, Alban (1774). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church . C. Kiernan. p. 257. It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset. ^ Collins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005). Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports . Psychology Press. p. 202. ISBN 978-0415352246 . The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes. ^ Gornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025). "The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations" . CBS News. ^ "Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?" . visitheritage.co.uk . 20 February 2023. ^ "The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday" . History.co.uk . ^ Hughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023). "Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe" . discoverbritain.com . ^ "What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?" . Christianity.com . 13 February 2024 . Retrieved 7 April 2024 . In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes." ^ Cocks, Alfred Heneage (1897). The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; &c . Jarrold & sons. p. 276. ^ Pulleyn, William (1828). The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions . Richard Griffin and Company . p. 192. ^ a b "Shrovetide" . Church of Denmark . Retrieved 8 February 2021 . ^ Beadle, Richard (17 March 1994). The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre . Cambridge University Press. p. 69 . ISBN 9780521459167 . One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and Mankind bears signs of being one of them ( 335 ). ^ a b c "Mardi Gras Terminology" . Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau . Archived from the original on 9 December 2007 . Retrieved 18 November 2007 . ^ Wilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996). Louisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State . Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157. ISBN 978-0807118931 . Retrieved 11 December 2015 . ^ Bratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010). "The Season of Lent" . Christian Resource Institute . Retrieved 25 June 2016 . ^ "Mobile Carnival Association, 1927", MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage: mardigrasdigest-Mobile "Mobile Carnival Association" . Archived from the original on 7 March 2006 . Retrieved 12 March 2018 . ^ "The best Belgian folklore festivals" . expatica.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2013 . Retrieved 25 November 2012 . ^ Cole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007). Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg (3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223. ISBN 978-1-74104-237-5 . ^ "Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague" . Archived from the original on 11 December 2021 . Retrieved 18 January 2016 – via YouTube . ^ "Staročeský masopust Hamry" . Retrieved 16 December 2017 . ^ "Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?" . Regionalzeitung Rontaler AG (in German). 17 February 2013 . Retrieved 7 February 2015 . ^ Killinger, Charles L. (2005). Culture and Customs of Italy . Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 94 . ISBN 978-0313324895 . mardi gras in italy. ^ "Swedish semla: more than just a bun" . Sweden.se . Archived from the original on June 6, 2011 . Retrieved February 22, 2011 . ^ a b c d e "New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline " (event list), Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage: MG-time ^ "9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras" . History.com . Retrieved 17 August 2017 . ^ a b "Timeline 18th Century:" (events), Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: TLine-1700-1724 Archived 1 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine : on "1702–1711" of Mobile. ^ a b "Carnival/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline" . Museum of Mobile . Retrieved 18 July 2012 . ^ "Mardi Gras in Mobile" (history), Jeff Sessions , Senator, Library of Congress , 2006, webpage: LibCongress-2665 . ^ "Mardi Gras" (history), Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage: MGmobile . ^ Barry Jean Ancelet (1989). Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras . Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana. ISBN 0-940984-46-6 . ^ Geiling, Natasha. "Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans" . Smithsonian . Retrieved 11 February 2018 . ^ Houser, Dave G. "7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)" . chicagotribune.com . Retrieved 11 February 2018 . ^ "Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood" . allaboutmardigras.com . Retrieved 12 February 2018 . ^ "12th Night \| Soulard Mardi Gras 2018" . stlmardigras.org . St. Louis, MO . Retrieved 11 February 2018 . ^ Lisa Gabbert (1999). Mardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade . The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4. ISBN 978-0-8239-5337-0 . ^ A Mardi Gras Dictionary . Pelican Publishing. p. 6. ISBN 978-1-4556-0836-2 . ^ O'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022). Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life . Ave Maria Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-1-64680-157-2 . ^ Cuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018). "Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras" . Iron Ladies . Retrieved 17 April 2024 . And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged. ^ Sparks, R. "American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future" . La Louisiane à la dérive . The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio . 16 December 2005. ^ a b Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. "Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order" . Social Forces , Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mardi Gras . Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Mardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World – slideshow by The Guardian Fashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries
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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras) - [1 Background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Background) - [2 Traditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Traditions) Toggle Traditions subsection - [2\.1 Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Belgium) - [2\.2 Czech Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Czech_Republic) - [2\.3 Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Germany) - [2\.4 Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Italy) - [2\.5 Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Sweden) - [2\.6 United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#United_Kingdom) - [2\.7 United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#United_States) - [3 Costumes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Costumes) Toggle Costumes subsection - [3\.1 Exposure by women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#Exposure_by_women) - [4 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#See_also) - [5 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#References) - [6 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Mardi Gras 47 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7 "ماردي جرا – Arabic") - [Azərbaycanca](https://az.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Qra "Mardi Qra – Azerbaijani") - [Bikol Central](https://bcl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Central Bikol") - [Brezhoneg](https://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meurlarjez "Meurlarjez – Breton") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimarts_de_Carnaval "Dimarts de Carnaval – Catalan") - [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Czech") - [Cymraeg](https://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Welsh") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – German") - [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9B%CE%B9%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AE_%CE%A4%CF%81%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%B7 "Λιπαρή Τρίτη – Greek") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_\(Martes_de_Carnaval\) "Mardi Gras (Martes de Carnaval) – Spanish") - [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astearte_inautea "Astearte inautea – Basque") - [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%DB%8C_%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7 "ماردی گرا – Persian") - [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Finnish") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_gras "Mardi gras – French") - [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Western Frisian") - [Gaeilge](https://ga.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A1irt_na_hInide "Máirt na hInide – Irish") - [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%93%D7%99_%D7%92%D7%A8%D7%90 "מרדי גרא – Hebrew") - [हिन्दी](https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE "मार्दी ग्रा – Hindi") - [Kreyòl ayisyen](https://ht.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madi_gra "Madi gra – Haitian Creole") - [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farsang "Farsang – Hungarian") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Indonesian") - [Íslenska](https://is.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprengidagur "Sprengidagur – Icelandic") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9E%E3%83%AB%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9 "マルディグラ – Japanese") - [Jawa](https://jv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Javanese") - [ქართული](https://ka.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%83%9B%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%93%E1%83%98_%E1%83%92%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90 "მარდი გრა – Georgian") - [ಕನ್ನಡ](https://kn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B2%AE%E0%B2%B0%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%A1%E0%B2%BF_%E0%B2%97%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%B8%E0%B3%8D "ಮರ್ಡಿ ಗ್ರಾಸ್ – Kannada") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%A7%88%EB%A5%B4%EB%94%94_%EA%B7%B8%EB%9D%BC "마르디 그라 – Korean") - [Македонски](https://mk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 "Марди Гра – Macedonian") - [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Malay") - [Napulitano](https://nap.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdemo_juorno_%27e_Carnevale "Urdemo juorno 'e Carnevale – Neapolitan") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_\(feest\) "Mardi Gras (feest) – Dutch") - [Nouormand](https://nrm.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi-gras "Mardi-gras – Norman") - [Occitan](https://oc.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimars_gras "Dimars gras – Occitan") - [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Polish") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_\(carnaval\) "Mardi Gras (carnaval) – Portuguese") - [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Romanian") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 "Марди Гра – Russian") - [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Simple English") - [Српски / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B8_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 "Марди Гра – Serbian") - [தமிழ்](https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF_%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B8%E0%AF%8D "மார்டி கிறாஸ் – Tamil") - [ไทย](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2 "มาร์ดิกรา – Thai") - [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Turkish") - [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D1%96_%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B0 "Марді Гра – Ukrainian") - [اردو](https://ur.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%88%DB%8C_%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7 "مارڈی گرا – Urdu") - [Tiếng Việt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "Mardi Gras – Vietnamese") - [Walon](https://wa.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cr%C3%A5s_m%C3%A5rdi "Crås mårdi – Walloon") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%87%BA%E6%82%94%E6%98%9F%E6%9C%9F%E4%BA%8C "懺悔星期二 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q35105#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Mardi_Gras "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - 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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Holiday on the day before Ash Wednesday This article is about the carnival holiday. For other uses, see [Mardi Gras (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_\(disambiguation\) "Mardi Gras (disambiguation)"). "Fat Tuesday" redirects here. For the band, see [Fat Tuesday (band)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Tuesday_\(band\) "Fat Tuesday (band)"). \| Mardi Gras \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG/250px-KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)[Celebrations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans "Mardi Gras in New Orleans") in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), Louisiana, U.S. \| \| \| Also called \| Fat Tuesday, [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), Pancake Tuesday \| \| Type \| Christian, cultural \| \| Significance \| Celebration period before fasting season of [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent") \| \| Celebrations \| Parades, parties \| \| Date \| Day before [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"), 47 days before [Easter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter "Easter"), 2 days after [Shrove Sunday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Sunday "Shrove Sunday") \| \| 2025 date \| March 4 \| \| 2026 date \| February 17 \| \| 2027 date \| February 9 \| \| 2028 date \| February 29 \| \| Frequency \| Annual \| \| Related to \| [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival"), [Shrove Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Monday "Shrove Monday"), [Pre-Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Lent "Pre-Lent"), [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"), [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent"), [Užgavėnės](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s "Užgavėnės"), [Maslenitsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslenitsa "Maslenitsa") \| Mardi Gras ([UK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_English "British English"): [/ˌmɑːrdi ˈɡrɑː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English "Help:IPA/English"); [US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_English "American English"): [/ˈmɑːrdi ɡrɑː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English "Help:IPA/English")),[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-2) also known as [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), is the final day of [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") (also known as [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide") or [Fastelavn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastelavn "Fastelavn")); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent") on [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday").[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-3) Mardi Gras ([\[maʁdi ɡʁa\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/French "Help:IPA/French")) is [French](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language "French language") for "Fat Tuesday", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably [red meat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_meat "Red meat"), in preparation for the Christian [fasting season of Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenten_sacrifice "Lenten sacrifice"), during which such foods are avoided.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Related popular practices are associated with Carnival celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the [penitential](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penitential "Penitential") season of Lent. In countries such as the [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom "United Kingdom"), Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive, meaning "to administer the sacrament of [confession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confession_\(religion\) "Confession (religion)") to; to absolve".[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5) ## Background During the [liturgical season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year "Liturgical year") of Lent, some Christians [abstain from the consumption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenten_sacrifice "Lenten sacrifice") of certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the [Anabaptist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabaptism "Anabaptism"), [Baptist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists "Baptists"), [Methodist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodism "Methodism"), and [Reformed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Christianity "Reformed Christianity") traditions.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-OPC-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Benedict2014-7)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Mennonite-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-FTU2012-9)[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Moore2008-10) [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide") provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) Prior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the [Black Fast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Fast "Black Fast"), which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [vegetarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_vegetarianism "Christian vegetarianism") meal and water after sunset.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) The tradition of [pancake breakfasts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancake_breakfast "Pancake breakfast") during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of "using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter" prior to Lent.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-CollinsMartin2005-14) The specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in [Slavic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavs "Slavs") [paganism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism "Paganism"), with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-16) Specifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-17)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-18) In many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the [church bells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_bell "Church bell") (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes".[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cocks1897-20)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-21) As such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Beadle1994-23)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) The last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such "because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) ## Traditions The festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Some traditions, such as the one in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from [Twelfth Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelfth_Night_\(holiday\) "Twelfth Night (holiday)") (the last night of Christmas which begins [Epiphany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_\(holiday\) "Epiphany (holiday)")) to Ash Wednesday.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Wild/Dufour/Cowan_\(seas/New_Orl.\)-25) Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-26) In [Mobile, Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama"), Mardi Gras–[associated social events begin in November](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile "Mardi Gras in Mobile"), followed by [mystic society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society") balls[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MCA-27) New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"). In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24) Carnival (or [Fastelavn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastelavn "Fastelavn") or [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide")) is an important celebration in [Lutheran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran "Lutheran"), [Anglican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican "Anglican") and [Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic "Catholic") European nations.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/MardiGrasDakar.JPG/250px-MardiGrasDakar.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MardiGrasDakar.JPG) Mardi Gras in [Dakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar "Dakar"), Senegal [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg/250px-Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg) Mardi Gras in [Marseille](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille "Marseille"), France ### Belgium [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg/250px-Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg) Mardi Gras in [Binche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binche "Binche"), Belgium The three-day [Carnival of Binche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Binche "Carnival of Binche"), near [Mons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mons,_Belgium "Mons, Belgium"), is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday") (or Mardi Gras) just before [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent"). Performers known as [Gilles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilles "Gilles") wear elaborate costumes in the [national colours](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_colours "National colours") of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw [oranges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)") at the crowd.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-28) In 2003, it was recognized by [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO") as one of the [Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterpieces_of_the_Oral_and_Intangible_Heritage_of_Humanity "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity").[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LP223-29) ### Czech Republic In the [Czech Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic "Czech Republic"), it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including [Prague](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague "Prague"),[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Masopust-30) but the tradition also prevails in villages such as [Staré Hamry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star%C3%A9_Hamry "Staré Hamry"), whose door-to-door processions made it to the [UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO_World_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_List "UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List").[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-31) ### Germany Main articles: [Karneval, Fasching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") and [Fastnacht](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht "Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht") The celebration on the same day in [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany "Germany") knows many different terms, depending on the region, such as [Fastnacht](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht "Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht"), meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as [Karneval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") or [Fasching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasching "Fasching") in Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. It is also often referred to as the "fifth season", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11/11 11:11).\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] and ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht. Karneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as Schmutziger Donnerstag or Fetter Donnerstag ([Fat Thursday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday "Fat Thursday")), Unsinniger Donnerstag (Nonsense Thursday), Altweiberfastnacht, Greesentag and others. In [standard German](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_German "Standard German"), schmutzig means "dirty", but in the Alemannic dialects schmotzig means "lard" ([Schmalz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmalz "Schmalz")), or "fat";[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Schmotzig-32) thus "Greasy Thursday", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual "takeover" of the town halls by local women has become tradition. ### Italy In [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy "Italy") Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday). It is the main day of [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") along with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous [Carnivals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnivals "Carnivals") in northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian [Sartiglia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartiglia "Sartiglia") and the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic "[Battle of Oranges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Oranges "Battle of the Oranges")" that finds its roots in medieval times. The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-33) ### Sweden In [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden "Sweden") the celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called [Semla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semla "Semla"). The name comes from the words "fett" (fat) and "tisdag" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat [fastlagsbullar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastlagsbulle "Fastlagsbulle").[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-semla-34) ### United Kingdom See [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"). ### United States See also: [Mardi Gras in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States "Mardi Gras in the United States"), [Mardi Gras in Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile "Mardi Gras in Mobile"), and [Mardi Gras in New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans "Mardi Gras in New Orleans") While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a [French Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Catholic "French Catholic") tradition with the Le Moyne brothers,[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Le_Moyne_d%27Iberville "Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville") and [Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville "Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville"), in the late 17th century, when King [Louis XIV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XIV "Louis XIV") sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of [Louisiane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_\(New_France\) "Louisiana (New France)"), which included what are now the U.S. states of [Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama "Alabama"), [Mississippi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi "Mississippi"), [Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana "Louisiana") and part of eastern [Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas "Texas").[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) The expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the [Mississippi River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River "Mississippi River") on the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style), [Lundi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lundi_Gras "Lundi Gras"). They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by [René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier,_Sieur_de_La_Salle "René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle") in 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans") is today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras (French: "Mardi Gras Point") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-36) [Bienville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville "Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville") went on to found the settlement of [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama") (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) In 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the [first organised Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile "Mardi Gras in Mobile") celebration tradition in what was to become the United States.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LOCgras-39)[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MBAYgras-40) The first informal [mystic society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society"), or [krewe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe "Krewe"), was formed in Mobile in 1711, the Boeuf Gras Society.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38) Then came the [Striker's Independent Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striker%27s_Independent_Society "Striker's Independent Society") in 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the [Order of Myths](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Myths "Order of Myths") or "OOMs" in 1867. In 1720, [Biloxi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biloxi,_Mississippi "Biloxi, Mississippi") had been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg/250px-Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg) Knights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), founded in 1718.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with [Bernard de Marigny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_de_Marigny "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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan [Laissez les bons temps rouler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laissez_les_bons_temps_rouler "Laissez les bons temps rouler") ("Let the good times roll"), as floats "roll".[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\[[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability")\] Festivities formally began in 1853 when a group of [Protestant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism "Protestantism") [Anglo-Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Americans "Anglo-Americans"), some members of [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama") [Mystic Societies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society"), formed the first "old-line" krewe, The [Mistick Krewe of Comus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistick_Krewe_of_Comus "Mistick Krewe of Comus"), based on [Bernard de Marigny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_de_Marigny "Bernard de Marigny")'s 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal [tableau vivant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tableau_vivant "Tableau vivant") and presentation of debutants, followed by a formal [ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_\(dance_event\) "Ball (dance event)"). The [Twelfth Night Revelers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelfth_Night_Revelers "Twelfth Night Revelers") were formed in 1870, again with ties to [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama"), but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The [Knights of Momus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Momus "Knights of Momus") and [Rex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_parade "Rex parade") came about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the [Krewe of Proteus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Proteus "Krewe of Proteus") being formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the [Knights of Chaos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Chaos "Knights of Chaos") replacing Momus. The parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as "super krewes") came later, during the 1960s/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of [Endymion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Endymion "Krewe of Endymion") (Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at [Caesars Superdome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesars_Superdome "Caesars Superdome")), [Bacchus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Bacchus "Krewe of Bacchus") (Sunday), and [Zulu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_Social_Aid_%26_Pleasure_Club "Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club") and [Rex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_parade "Rex parade") (Tuesday). Other cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from [Pensacola, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida"), and [Galveston, Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston,_Texas "Galveston, Texas"), to [Lake Charles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Charles,_Louisiana "Lake Charles, Louisiana") and [Lafayette, Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette,_Louisiana "Lafayette, Louisiana"), and north to [Natchez, Mississippi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez,_Mississippi "Natchez, Mississippi"), and [Alexandria, Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_Louisiana "Alexandria, Louisiana"), have active Mardi Gras celebrations.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] Galveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as "The Crusades", "Peter the Great", and "Ancient France", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In the rural [Acadiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadiana "Acadiana") area, many [Cajuns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajuns "Cajuns") celebrate with the [Courir de Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras "Courir de Mardi Gras"), a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-41) [St. Louis, Missouri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis,_Missouri "St. Louis, Missouri"), founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-42) The celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood, [Soulard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulard,_St._Louis "Soulard, St. Louis"), and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-43) Although founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-44) The city's celebration begins with "12th night", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-45) ## Costumes [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg/250px-Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg) Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937 Mardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Gabbert1999-46) as well as clowns and [Native Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States "Native Americans in the United States").[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-47) ### Exposure by women [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG/250px-MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG) A topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009 Although the [Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Church "Christian Church") teaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of [modesty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modesty#Christianity "Modesty"),[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-O'Malley-48)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cuthbert2018-49) the practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), US, has been documented since 1889, when the Times-Democrat decried the "degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets." The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area.[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-sparks-50)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) In the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day, [flashers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhibitionism "Exhibitionism") on balconies cause crowds to form on the streets.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial [videotapes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videotape "Videotape") catering to [voyeurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyeurism "Voyeurism") helped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Social scientists studying "ritual disrobement" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) Further information on the traveling bead art exhibition: [Bead Town](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bead_Town "Bead Town") ## See also - [Carnaval de Ponce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaval_de_Ponce "Carnaval de Ponce") – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico - [Bœuf Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%93uf_Gras "Bœuf Gras") – French traditional holiday figure - [Fantasy Fest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_Fest "Fantasy Fest") – Street party in Key West, Florida - [Fat Thursday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday "Fat Thursday") – Christian tradition before Lent - [Maslenitsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslenitsa "Maslenitsa") – Slavic folk and Christian holiday - [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday") – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday - [Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Gay_and_Lesbian_Mardi_Gras "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras") – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia - [Tsiknopempti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsiknopempti "Tsiknopempti") – Greek traditional feast - [Užgavėnės](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s "Užgavėnės") – Lithuanian festival ## References 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-1) [Wells, John C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Wells "John C. Wells") (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4058-8118-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4058-8118-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4058-8118-0") . 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-2) [Jones, Daniel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Jones_\(phonetician\) "Daniel Jones (phonetician)") (2011). [Roach, Peter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Roach_\(phonetician\) "Peter Roach (phonetician)"); [Setter, Jane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Setter "Jane Setter"); [Esling, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Esling "John Esling") (eds.). [Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Pronouncing_Dictionary "English Pronouncing Dictionary") (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-521-15255-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-15255-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-521-15255-6") . 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-3) ["Mardi Gras (n.)"](https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/9489225210). [Oxford English Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary "Oxford English Dictionary") (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1093/OED/9489225210](https://doi.org/10.1093%2FOED%2F9489225210). (Subscription or [participating institution membership](https://www.oed.com/public/login/loggingin#withyourlibrary) required.) 4. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-3) Rose, David (1995). Christianity. Folens Limited. p. 9. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-85276-765-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85276-765-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85276-765-5") . "Shrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties." 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-1) Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008). [Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl](https://books.google.com/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&q=Anglican+Mardi+Gras&pg=PA354). [ABC-CLIO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC-CLIO "ABC-CLIO"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780313086892](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780313086892 "Special:BookSources/9780313086892") . "In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as Shrove Tuesday—from shrive* meaning "confess"—or Pancake Day—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes." 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-OPC_6-0) ["Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?"](https://www.opc.org/qa.html?question_id=365). Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024. "Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant." 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Benedict2014_7-0) Benedict, Philip (2002). [Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism](https://books.google.com/books?id=JKj_x3W01hoC&q=lent). New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-300-08812-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-300-08812-4 "Special:BookSources/0-300-08812-4") . 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Mennonite_8-0) [Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent](https://thirdwaycafe.com/glossary/lent/#:~:text=The%20choice%20to%20fast%20or,await%20the%20promise%20of%20Easter.). Third Way Media. Retrieved 3 November 2024. "Traditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter." 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-FTU2012_9-0) Brumley, Jeff (12 March 2012). ["Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals"](http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-12/story/lent-not-just-catholics-also-some-baptists-and-other-evangelicals). [The Florida Times-Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Florida_Times-Union "The Florida Times-Union"). Jacksonville, Florida. Retrieved 3 November 2024. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Moore2008_10-0) Moore, Scott (2008). "The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). \[978-0881461046 The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education\]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143. "In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up." `{{cite book}}`: Check `\|url=` value ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#bad_url "Help:CS1 errors")) 11. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-1) Campbell, Georgina (May 2005). The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive. Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-903164-15-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-903164-15-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-903164-15-0") . "Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade." 12. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-1) Butler, Alban (1839). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church. Dublin: James Duffy. pp. 144–146\. "The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds." 13. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-1) Butler, Alban (1774). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church. C. Kiernan. p. 257. "It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset." 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-CollinsMartin2005_14-0)* Collins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005). Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports. Psychology Press. p. 202. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0415352246](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0415352246 "Special:BookSources/978-0415352246") . "The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes." 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-15) Gornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025). ["The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations"](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/amazing-history-of-pancake-celebrations/7/). CBS News. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-16) ["Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?"](https://www.visitheritage.co.uk/inspiration/visit-heritage-blog/read/2023/02/why-do-we-eat-pancakes-on-shrove-tuesday-b302). visitheritage.co.uk. 20 February 2023. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-17) ["The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday"](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/the-pagan-roots-of-pancake-day). History.co.uk. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-18) Hughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023). ["Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe"](https://www.discoverbritain.com/history/traditions/shrove-tuesday-all-you-need-to-know/). discoverbritain.com. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-19) ["What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?"](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html). [Christianity.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity.com "Christianity.com"). 13 February 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024. "In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes."" 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cocks1897_20-0) Cocks, Alfred Heneage (1897). The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; \&c. Jarrold & sons. p. 276. 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-21) Pulleyn, William (1828). The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions. [Richard Griffin and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Griffin_and_Company "Richard Griffin and Company"). p. 192. 22. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-1) ["Shrovetide"](https://www.lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide). [Church of Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Denmark "Church of Denmark"). Retrieved 8 February 2021. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Beadle1994_23-0)* Beadle, Richard (17 March 1994). [The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre](https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69). Cambridge University Press. p. [69](https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780521459167](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780521459167 "Special:BookSources/9780521459167") . "One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and Mankind bears signs of being one of them (335)." 24. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-2) ["Mardi Gras Terminology"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071209165238/http://www.mobile.org/vis_mardigras_terms.php). Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. Archived from [the original](http://www.mobile.org/vis_mardigras_terms.php) on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Wild/Dufour/Cowan_\(seas/New_Orl.\)_25-0)* Wilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996). [Louisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State](https://books.google.com/books?id=CyI14B5pua8C&q=mardi+gras+season+from+twelfth+night+to+ash+wednesday+new+orleans&pg=PA157). Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0807118931](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0807118931 "Special:BookSources/978-0807118931") . Retrieved 11 December 2015. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-26) Bratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010). ["The Season of Lent"](http://www.crivoice.org/cylent.html). Christian Resource Institute. Retrieved 25 June 2016. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MCA_27-0) "Mobile Carnival Association, 1927", MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage: [mardigrasdigest-Mobile](http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/Bureau/Mobile/mobile_carnival_association.htm) ["Mobile Carnival Association"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060307233517/http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/Bureau/Mobile/mobile_carnival_association.htm). Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2018. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-28) ["The best Belgian folklore festivals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130804122549/http://www.expatica.com/nl/leisure/travel_tourism/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html). expatica.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.expatica.com/nl/leisure/travel_tourism/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html) on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2012. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LP223_29-0) Cole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007). Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg (3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-74104-237-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-74104-237-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-74104-237-5") . 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Masopust_30-0) ["Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3IqY-QsJgc). [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/p3IqY-QsJgc) from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2016 – via [YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube "YouTube"). 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-31) ["Staročeský masopust Hamry"](https://www.masopusthamry.cz/). Retrieved 16 December 2017. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Schmotzig_32-0) ["Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?"](https://www.rontaler.ch/20330/woher-hat-der-schmutzige-donnerstag-seinen-namen). Regionalzeitung Rontaler AG (in German). 17 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-33) Killinger, Charles L. (2005). [Culture and Customs of Italy](https://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00char). Greenwood Publishing Group. p. [94](https://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00char/page/94). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0313324895](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0313324895 "Special:BookSources/978-0313324895") . "mardi gras in italy." 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-semla_34-0) ["Swedish semla: more than just a bun"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110606090150/http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Reading/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun/). Sweden.se. Archived from [the original](http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Reading/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun/) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011. 35. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-4) "New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline " (event list), Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage: [MG-time](https://web.archive.org/web/20101124195528/http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/html/mardi_gras_history__timeline.htm) 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-36)* ["9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras"](http://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-mardi-gras). History.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017. 37. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-1) "Timeline 18th Century:" (events), Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: [TLine-1700-1724](http://timelines.ws/1700_1724.HTML) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100701122153/http://timelines.ws/1700_1724.HTML) 1 July 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"): on "1702–1711" of Mobile. 38. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-1) ["Carnival/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline"](http://www.museumofmobile.com/timeline.php). Museum of Mobile. Retrieved 18 July 2012. 39. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LOCgras_39-0)* "Mardi Gras in Mobile" (history), [Jeff Sessions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Sessions "Jeff Sessions"), Senator, [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"), 2006, webpage: [LibCongress-2665](http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cocoon/legacies/AL/200002665.html). 40. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MBAYgras_40-0) "Mardi Gras" (history), Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage: [MGmobile](https://www.mobile.org/ab_mardigras.php/ab_mardigras_history.php). 41. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-41) [Barry Jean Ancelet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jean_Ancelet "Barry Jean Ancelet") (1989). [Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras](https://archive.org/details/capitainevoyaget00ance). Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-940984-46-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-940984-46-6 "Special:BookSources/0-940984-46-6") . 42. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-42) Geiling, Natasha. ["Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans"](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-celebrate-mardi-gras-outside-new-orleans-180954286/). Smithsonian. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 43. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-43) Houser, Dave G. ["7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)"](http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/ct-mardi-gras-celebrations-not-in-new-orleans-20170131-story.html). chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 44. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-44) ["Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood"](http://www.allaboutmardigras.com/Features/soulardhistory.html). allaboutmardigras.com. Retrieved 12 February 2018. 45. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-45) ["12th Night \\| Soulard Mardi Gras 2018"](https://stlmardigras.org/events/12th-night). stlmardigras.org. St. Louis, MO. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 46. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Gabbert1999_46-0) Lisa Gabbert (1999). [Mardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade](https://books.google.com/books?id=4T2D0H8KJDAC&pg=PA4). The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-5337-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-5337-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-5337-0") . 47. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-47) [A Mardi Gras Dictionary](https://books.google.com/books?id=QJzd111SBGwC&pg=PT6). Pelican Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4556-0836-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4556-0836-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4556-0836-2") . 48. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-O'Malley_48-0) O'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022). Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life. Ave Maria Press. p. 13. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-64680-157-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-64680-157-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-64680-157-2") . 49. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cuthbert2018_49-0) Cuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018). ["Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras"](https://medium.com/iron-ladies/why-we-celebrate-mardi-gras-a185f0eee70a). Iron Ladies. Retrieved 17 April 2024. "And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged." 50. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-sparks_50-0) Sparks, R. ["American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future"](https://nuevomundo.revues.org/document3941.html). La Louisiane à la dérive. [The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio](https://nuevomundo.revues.org/sommaire2899.html#rub3927). 16 December 2005. 51. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-1) Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. ["Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/2580408). Social Forces, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458. ## External links [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Mardi Gras](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mardi_Gras "commons:Category:Mardi Gras"). - [Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations](http://worldmusic.about.com/od/northamerican/p/CajunMardiGras.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075116/http://worldmusic.about.com/od/northamerican/p/CajunMardiGras.htm) 7 July 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") - [Mardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama](https://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1437) - [Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World](https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2009/jan/21/mardi-gras-carnival-festivals-guide) – slideshow by [The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")* - [Fashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes](http://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15324coll12/searchterm/mardi%20gras/order/nosort) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Carnival_around_the_world "Template:Carnival around the world") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Carnival_around_the_world "Template talk:Carnival around the world") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Carnival_around_the_world "Special:EditPage/Template:Carnival around the world")[Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") around the world \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Asia \| Indonesia [Solo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solo_Batik_Carnival "Solo Batik Carnival") [Jember](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jember_Fashion_Carnaval "Jember Fashion Carnaval") [Jakarta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarnaval "Jakarnaval") Philippines [Sinulog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinulog "Sinulog") [Ati-Atihan festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati-Atihan_festival "Ati-Atihan festival") \| [![Carnival of Venice by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1754-1755](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_%28The_Minuet%29_-_WGA22379.jpg/250px-Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_%28The_Minuet%29_-_WGA22379.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_Domenico_Tiepolo_-_Carnival_Scene_\(The_Minuet\)_-_WGA22379.jpg) \| \| Europe \| [Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") Belgium [Aalst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Aalst "Carnival of Aalst") [Binche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Binche "Carnival of Binche") [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Denmark "Carnival in Denmark") [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notting_Hill_Carnival "Notting Hill Carnival") [Finland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki_Samba_Carnaval "Helsinki Samba Carnaval") France [Nice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_Carnival "Nice Carnival") [Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Carnival "Paris Carnival") [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") [Cologne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne_Carnival "Cologne Carnival") [Mainz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainz_carnival "Mainz carnival") Greece [Patras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patras_Carnival "Patras Carnival") [Hungary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus%C3%B3j%C3%A1r%C3%A1s "Busójárás") [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Italy "Carnival in Italy") [Venice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Venice "Carnival of Venice") [Viareggio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Viareggio "Carnival of Viareggio") [Ivrea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Ivrea "Carnival of Ivrea") [Foiano della Chiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Foiano_della_Chiana "Carnival of Foiano della Chiana") [Satriano di Lucania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Satriano_di_Lucania "Carnival of Satriano di Lucania") [Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s "Užgavėnės") [Malta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_Carnival "Maltese Carnival") [Netherlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_the_Netherlands "Carnival in the Netherlands") Portugal [Madeira](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Madeira "Carnival of Madeira") [Ovar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Ovar "Carnival of Ovar") [Slavic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_carnival "Slavic carnival") [Belarus, Russia, Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslenitsa "Maslenitsa") [Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijeka_Carnival "Rijeka Carnival") [Slovenia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurentovanje "Kurentovanje") Spain [Cádiz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_C%C3%A1diz "Carnival of Cádiz") [Las Palmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Las_Palmas "Carnival of Las Palmas") [Santa Cruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Santa_Cruz_de_Tenerife "Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife") [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") [Basel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Basel "Carnival of Basel") [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baklahorani "Baklahorani") \| \| \| North America \| Canada [Ottawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterlude "Winterlude") [Quebec City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Winter_Carnival "Quebec Winter Carnival") [Toronto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribana "Caribana") [México](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Mexico "Carnival in Mexico") [Vera Cruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Mexico#Major_Carnivals "Carnival in Mexico") [Mazatlán](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Mexico#Major_Carnivals "Carnival in Mexico") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States "Mardi Gras in the United States") [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile,_Alabama "Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama") [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans "Mardi Gras in New Orleans") [New York City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day_Carnival "Labor Day Carnival") \| \| \| Caribbean \| [Antigua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Carnival "Antigua Carnival") [Bahamas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkanoo "Junkanoo") [Barbados](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_Over "Crop Over") [Cayman Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batabano "Batabano") [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Santiago_de_Cuba "Carnival of Santiago de Cuba") [Dominica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chant%C3%A9_mas "Chanté mas") [Dominican Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_the_Dominican_Republic "Carnival in the Dominican Republic") [Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Carnival "Haitian Carnival") [Jamaica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Carnival "Jamaica Carnival") [Nevis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culturama "Culturama") Puerto Rico ([Ponce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaval_de_Ponce "Carnaval de Ponce")) [Trinidad and Tobago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad_and_Tobago_Carnival "Trinidad and Tobago Carnival") \| \| \| South America \| Argentina [Buenos Aires](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires_Carnival "Buenos Aires Carnival") [Gualeguaychú](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gualeguaych%C3%BA,_Entre_R%C3%ADos#Carnival "Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos") [Murga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murga "Murga") Bolivia [Oruro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaval_de_Oruro "Carnaval de Oruro") [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival "Brazilian Carnival") [Rio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Carnival "Rio Carnival") [São Paulo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_S%C3%A3o_Paulo "Carnival of São Paulo") [Bahia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahian_Carnival "Bahian Carnival") [Recife](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galo_da_Madrugada "Galo da Madrugada") [Colombia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Colombia "Carnival in Colombia") [Barranquilla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barranquilla%27s_Carnival "Barranquilla's Carnival") [Negros y Blancos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaval_de_Negros_y_Blancos "Carnaval de Negros y Blancos") [French Guiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_French_Guiana "Carnival in French Guiana") [Cayenne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Cayenne "Carnival of Cayenne") [Guyana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashramani "Mashramani") Panama [Las Tablas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival#Panama "Carnival") Peru [Cajamarca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival#Cajamarca "Carnival") [Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Carnival "Uruguayan Carnival") \| \| \| Oceania \| [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Australia "Carnival of Australia") \| \| \| Related \| [Mardi Gras]() \| \| \| [![icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/046CupolaSPietro.jpg/20px-046CupolaSPietro.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:046CupolaSPietro.jpg) [Catholicism portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Catholicism "Portal:Catholicism") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg/20px-The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Blue_Marble,_AS17-148-22727.jpg) [World portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:World "Portal:World") \| \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States "Template:Public holidays in the United States") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States "Template talk:Public holidays in the United States") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Public_holidays_in_the_United_States "Special:EditPage/Template:Public holidays in the United States")Holidays, observances, and celebrations in the United States \| \| \|---\|---\| \| January \| [New Year's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Day "New Year's Day") (federal) [Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day "Martin Luther King Jr. Day") (federal) [Birthday of Eugenio María de Hostos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenio_Mar%C3%ADa_de_Hostos "Eugenio María de Hostos") (PR) [Confederate Heroes Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Memorial_Day "Confederate Memorial Day") (TX) [Eve of Three Kings' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_\(holiday\) "Epiphany (holiday)") (PR, religious) [Feast of Epiphany / Feast of Theophany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_\(holiday\) "Epiphany (holiday)") (religious) [Fred Korematsu Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Korematsu_Day "Fred Korematsu Day") (AZ, CA, FL, HI, VA) [Idaho Human Rights Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Human_Rights_Day "Idaho Human Rights Day") (ID) [Inauguration Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inauguration "United States presidential inauguration") (federal quadrennial) [Kansas Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_Day "Kansas Day") (KS) [Makar Sankranti / Pongal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makar_Sankranti "Makar Sankranti") (religious) [Robert E. Lee Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Lee_Day "Robert E. Lee Day") (FL) [Stephen Foster Memorial Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Foster_Memorial_Day "Stephen Foster Memorial Day") (36) [National Religious Freedom Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Religious_Freedom_Day "National Religious Freedom Day") [The Eighth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eighth_\(United_States\) "The Eighth (United States)") (LA) [Three Kings' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_\(holiday\) "Epiphany (holiday)") (PR, VI, religious) [World Religion Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Religion_Day "World Religion Day") (religious) \| \| January–February \| [Chinese New Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year "Chinese New Year") / [Lunar New Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_New_Year "Lunar New Year") (NY, cultural, religious) [Vasant Panchami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasant_Panchami "Vasant Panchami") (religious) \| \| February [American Heart Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Heart_Month "American Heart Month") [Black History Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month "Black History Month") \| [Washington's Birthday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents%27_Day "Presidents' Day") (federal) [Valentine's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day "Valentine's Day") [Birthday of Luis Muñoz Marín](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Mu%C3%B1oz_Mar%C3%ADn "Luis Muñoz Marín") (PR) [Candlemas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas "Candlemas") (religious) [Charles Darwin Day / Darwin Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_Day "Darwin Day") (CA, DE) [Day of Remembrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Remembrance_\(Japanese_Americans\) "Day of Remembrance (Japanese Americans)") (CA, OR, WA, cultural) [Georgia Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Day "Georgia Day") (GA) [Groundhog Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day "Groundhog Day") [Imbolc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc "Imbolc") (religious) [Lincoln's Birthday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln%27s_Birthday "Lincoln's Birthday") (CA, CT, IL, IN, MO, NY, WV) [National Girls and Women in Sports Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Girls_and_Women_in_Sports_Day "National Girls and Women in Sports Day") [National Freedom Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Freedom_Day "National Freedom Day") (36) [Nirvana Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parinirvana_Day "Parinirvana Day") (religious) [Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_of_Jesus_at_the_Temple "Presentation of Jesus at the Temple") (religious) [Promised Reformer Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promised_Reformer_Day "Promised Reformer Day") (religious) [Ronald Reagan Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan_Day "Ronald Reagan Day") (CA) [Rosa Parks Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks_Day "Rosa Parks Day") (CA, MO) [Saviours' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saviours%27_Day "Saviours' Day") (religious) [Susan B. Anthony Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony_Day "Susan B. Anthony Day") (CA, FL, NY, WI, WV, proposed federal) [Tu B’shvat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_BiShvat "Tu BiShvat") (religious) \| \| February–March \| [Mardi Gras]() [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday") (PR, religious) [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") (PR, VI, religious) [Clean Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clean_Monday "Clean Monday") (religious) [Courir de Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras "Courir de Mardi Gras") (religious) [Intercalary Days](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayy%C3%A1m-i-H%C3%A1 "Ayyám-i-Há") (religious) [Mahashivaratri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri "Maha Shivaratri") (religious) [Purim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim "Purim") (religious) [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday") (religious) [Super Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Tuesday "Super Tuesday") \| \| March [Irish-American Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish-American_Heritage_Month "Irish-American Heritage Month") [Colon Cancer Awareness Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Colon_Cancer_Awareness_Month "National Colon Cancer Awareness Month") [Women's History Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_History_Month "Women's History Month") \| [Saint Patrick's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day "Saint Patrick's Day") (ethnic) [Spring break](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_break "Spring break") (week) [Annunciation of the Virgin Mary / Annunciation of the Theotokos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annunciation "Annunciation") (religious) [Casimir Pulaski Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_Pulaski_Day "Casimir Pulaski Day") (IL) [Cesar Chavez Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez_Day "Cesar Chavez Day") (CA, CO, TX, proposed federal) [Emancipation Day in Puerto Rico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day#Puerto_Rico "Emancipation Day") (PR, cultural) [Evacuation Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evacuation_Day_\(Massachusetts\) "Evacuation Day (Massachusetts)") (Suffolk County, MA) [Harriet Tubman Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman_Day "Harriet Tubman Day") (NY) [Hola Mohalla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hola_Mohalla "Hola Mohalla") (religious) [Holi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi "Holi") (NY, religious) [Lailat al-Mi'raj](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isra_and_Mi%27raj#Modern_Muslim_observance "Isra and Mi'raj") (religious) [Liberation and Freedom Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_and_Freedom_Day "Liberation and Freedom Day") (Charlottesville, VA, cultural) [Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_the_United_States "Mardi Gras in the United States") (AL (in two counties), LA) [Maryland Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Day "Maryland Day") (MD) [Medal of Honor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Day "Medal of Honor Day") [National Poison Prevention Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Poison_Prevention_Week "National Poison Prevention Week") (week) [Nowruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowruz "Nowruz") (cultural, religious) [Ostara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre "Ēostre") (religious) [Pi Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Day "Pi Day") [Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_K%C5%ABhi%C5%8D_Day "Prince Kūhiō Day") (HI) [Promised Messiah Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promised_Messiah_Day "Promised Messiah Day") (religious) [Saint Joseph's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph%27s_Day "Saint Joseph's Day") (religious) [Seward's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seward%27s_Day "Seward's Day") (AK) [Texas Independence Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Independence_Day "Texas Independence Day") (TX) [Town Meeting Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_meeting#Vermont "Town meeting") (VT) [Transfer Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_Day "Transfer Day") (VI) [U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Hostage_and_Wrongful_Detainee_Day "U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day") (36) [Trans Day of Visibility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Transgender_Day_of_Visibility "International Transgender Day of Visibility") (cultural) \| \| March–April \| [Easter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter "Easter") (religious) [Good Friday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Friday "Good Friday") (CT, NC, PR, NJ, VI, religious) [Hanuman Jayanti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Jayanti "Hanuman Jayanti") (religious) [Holy Thursday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maundy_Thursday "Maundy Thursday") (PR, VI, religious) [Holy Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week "Holy Week") (PR, religious, week) [Lazarus Saturday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_Saturday "Lazarus Saturday") (religious) [Mahavir Janma Kalyanak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavir_Janma_Kalyanak "Mahavir Janma Kalyanak") (religious) [Mesha Sankranti / Hindu New Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesha_Sankranti "Mesha Sankranti") (religious) [Palm Sunday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Sunday "Palm Sunday") (PR, religious) [Passover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover "Passover") (religious, week) [Easter Monday / Bright Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Monday "Easter Monday") (VI, religious) [Ramnavami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama_Navami "Rama Navami") (religious) [Chandramana Uugadi / Souramana Uugadi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugadi "Ugadi") (religious) \| \| April [Arab American Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Arab_American_Heritage_Month "National Arab American Heritage Month") [Confederate History Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_History_Month "Confederate History Month") \| [420](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_\(cannabis_culture\) "420 (cannabis culture)") [April Fools' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools%27_Day "April Fools' Day") [Arbor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbor_Day "Arbor Day") [Birthday of José de Diego](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_de_Diego "José de Diego") (PR) [Confederate Memorial Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Memorial_Day "Confederate Memorial Day") (AL, MS) [Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_Remembrance_of_the_Victims_of_the_Holocaust "Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust") (week) [DNA Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_Day "DNA Day") [Earth Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day "Earth Day") [Emancipation Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day "Emancipation Day") (cultural) [Thomas Jefferson's Birthday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson%27s_Birthday "Jefferson's Birthday") (AL) [Lag B’Omer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lag_BaOmer "Lag BaOmer") (religious) [Last Friday of Great Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lent "Great Lent") (religious) [National First Ladies Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_First_Ladies_Day "National First Ladies Day") [Pascua Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascua_Florida "Pascua Florida") (FL) [Patriots' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriots%27_Day "Patriots' Day") (MA, ME) [Ridván](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridv%C3%A1n "Ridván") (religious) [San Jacinto Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jacinto_Day "San Jacinto Day") (TX) [Siblings Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siblings_Day "Siblings Day") [Walpurgis Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walpurgis_Night "Walpurgis Night") (religious) [Yom Ha'atzmaut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_\(Israel\) "Independence Day (Israel)") (cultural, religious) \| \| May [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_American_and_Pacific_Islander_Heritage_Month "Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month") [Jewish American Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_American_Heritage_Month "Jewish American Heritage Month") [Military Appreciation Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Military_Appreciation_Month "National Military Appreciation Month") \| [Memorial Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day "Memorial Day") (federal) [Mother's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day_\(United_States\) "Mother's Day (United States)") (36) [Cinco de Mayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo "Cinco de Mayo") [Ascension of Baháʼu'lláh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_Holy_Days "Baháʼí Holy Days") (religious) [Ascension of Our Lord](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_Day "Ascension Day") (religious) [Caliphate Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliphate_Day "Caliphate Day") (religious) [Declaration of the Bab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_Holy_Days "Baháʼí Holy Days") (religious) [Harvey Milk Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Milk_Day "Harvey Milk Day") (CA) [International Workers' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day "International Workers' Day") / [May Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day "May Day") (CA, unofficial, proposed state) [Law Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_Day_\(United_States\) "Law Day (United States)") (36) [Loyalty Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty_Day "Loyalty Day") (36) [Malcolm X Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X_Day "Malcolm X Day") (CA, IL, proposed federal) [Military Spouse Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Spouse_Day "Military Spouse Day") [National Day of Prayer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer "National Day of Prayer") (36) [National Day of Reason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Reason "National Day of Reason") [National Defense Transportation Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Transportation_Day "National Defense Transportation Day") (36) [National Maritime Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Maritime_Day "United States National Maritime Day") (36) [Peace Officers Memorial Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Officers_Memorial_Day "Peace Officers Memorial Day") (36) [Pentecost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost "Pentecost") (religious) [Shavuot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shavuot "Shavuot") (religious) [Truman Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Day "Truman Day") (MO) [Vesak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesak "Vesak") / [Buddha's Birthday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_Birthday "Buddha's Birthday") (religious) \| \| June [Pride Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Month "Pride Month") \| [Juneteenth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth "Juneteenth") (federal, cultural) [Father's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father%27s_Day_\(United_States\) "Father's Day (United States)") (36) [Bunker Hill Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_Hill_Day "Bunker Hill Day") (Suffolk County, MA) [Carolina Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Day "Carolina Day") (SC) [Don Young Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Young_Day "Don Young Day") (AK) [Fast of the Holy Apostles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27_Fast "Apostles' Fast") (religious) [Flag Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_\(United_States\) "Flag Day (United States)") (36, proposed federal) [Helen Keller Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller_Day "Helen Keller Day") (PA) [Honor America Days](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honor_America_Days "Honor America Days") (3 weeks) [Jefferson Davis Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Davis_Day "Jefferson Davis Day") (AL, FL) [Kamehameha Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamehameha_Day "Kamehameha Day") (HI) [Litha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer "Midsummer") (religious) [Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Arjan "Guru Arjan") (religious) [Odunde Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odunde_Festival "Odunde Festival") (Philadelphia, PA, cultural) [Senior Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senior_Week "Senior Week") (week) [Saint John's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Saint_John_the_Baptist#Celebration "Nativity of Saint John the Baptist") (PR, religious) [West Virginia Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_Day "West Virginia Day") (WV) [Women Veterans Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_Veterans_Day "Women Veterans Day") \| \| July \| [Independence Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_\(United_States\) "Independence Day (United States)") (federal) [Asalha Puja Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asalha_Puja "Asalha Puja") (religious) [Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Mu%C3%B1oz_Rivera "Luis Muñoz Rivera") (PR) [Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Celso_Barbosa "José Celso Barbosa") (PR) [Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day#United_States_Virgin_Islands "Emancipation Day") (VI, cultural) [Guru Purnima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Purnima "Guru Purnima") (religious) [Khordad Sal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khordad_Sal "Khordad Sal") (religious) [Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereignty_Restoration_Day "Sovereignty Restoration Day") (HI, unofficial, cultural) [Martyrdom of the Báb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Execution_of_the_B%C3%A1b "Execution of the Báb") (religious) [Parents' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents%27_Day "Parents' Day") (36) [Pioneer Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Day "Pioneer Day") (UT) [Puerto Rico Constitution Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico_Constitution_Day "Puerto Rico Constitution Day") (PR) \| \| July–August \| [Summer vacation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_vacation "Summer vacation") [Tisha B'Av](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_B%27Av "Tisha B'Av") (religious) \| \| August \| [American Family Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Family_Day "American Family Day") (AZ) [Barack Obama Day in Illinois](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_Day "Barack Obama Day") (IL) [Bennington Battle Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennington_Battle_Day "Bennington Battle Day") (VT) [Dormition of the Theotokos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God#Dormition_versus_Assumption "Dormition of the Mother of God") (religious) [Eid-e-Ghadeer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Ghadir "Eid al-Ghadir") (religious) [Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God#Dormition_fast "Dormition of the Mother of God") (religious) [Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary#Feasts "Assumption of Mary") (religious) [Hawaii Admission Day / Statehood Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statehood_Day_\(Hawaii\) "Statehood Day (Hawaii)") (HI) [Krishna Janmashtami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_Janmashtami "Krishna Janmashtami") (religious) [Lammas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lammas "Lammas") (religious) [Lyndon Baines Johnson Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_Baines_Johnson_Day "Lyndon Baines Johnson Day") (TX) [Naga Panchami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_Panchami "Naga Panchami") (religious) [National Aviation Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Aviation_Day "National Aviation Day") (36) [Paryushana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paryushana "Paryushana") (religious) [Raksha Bandhan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan "Raksha Bandhan") (religious) [Transfiguration of the Lord](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Transfiguration "Feast of the Transfiguration") (religious) [Victory Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_Day_\(United_States\) "Victory Day (United States)") (RI) [Women's Equality Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Equality_Day "Women's Equality Day") (36) \| \| September [Prostate Cancer Awareness Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Prostate_Cancer_Awareness_Month "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month") [Childhood Cancer Awareness Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Childhood_Cancer_Awareness_Month "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month") [Gospel Music Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_Music_Heritage_Month "Gospel Music Heritage Month") \| [Labor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day "Labor Day") (federal) [Brazilian Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Day "Brazilian Day") (NY, cultural) [California Admission Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Admission_Day "California Admission Day") (CA) [Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Garner_Federal_Lands_Cleanup_Day "Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day") (36) [Constitution Day and Citizenship Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Day_and_Citizenship_Day "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day") (36) [Constitution Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Week "Constitution Week") [Defenders Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenders_Day_\(Maryland\) "Defenders Day (Maryland)") (MD) [Elevation of the Holy Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevation_of_the_Holy_Cross "Elevation of the Holy Cross") (religious) [Feast of San Gennaro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_San_Gennaro "Feast of San Gennaro") (NY, cultural, religious) [Ganesh Chaturthi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi "Ganesh Chaturthi") (religious) [Gold Star Mother's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Star_Mother%27s_Day "Gold Star Mother's Day") (36) [His Holiness Sakya Trizin's Birthday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakya_Trizin_Ngawang_Kunga "Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga") (religious) [Mabon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_equinox "September equinox") (religious) [National Grandparents Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandparents%27_Day "Grandparents' Day") (36) [National Payroll Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Payroll_Week "National Payroll Week") (week) [Nativity of Mary / Nativity of the Theotokos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Mary "Nativity of Mary") (religious) [Native American Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Day "Native American Day") (proposed federal) [Patriot Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Day "Patriot Day") (36) [Von Steuben Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Steuben_Day "Von Steuben Day") \| \| September–October [Hispanic Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hispanic_Heritage_Month "National Hispanic Heritage Month") \| [Chehlum Imam Hussain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arba%27een "Arba'een") (religious) [Oktoberfest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest_celebrations "Oktoberfest celebrations") [Pitri Paksha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitri_Paksha "Pitri Paksha") (religious) [Rosh Hashanah / Feast of Trumpets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah "Rosh Hashanah") (TX, NY, religious) [Shemini Atzeret](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shemini_Atzeret "Shemini Atzeret") (religious) [Simchat Torah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simchat_Torah "Simchat Torah") (religious) [Vijaya Dashami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami "Vijayadashami") (religious) [Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur "Yom Kippur") (TX, NY, religious) \| \| October [Breast Cancer Awareness Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month") [Disability Employment Awareness Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Disability_Employment_Awareness_Month "National Disability Employment Awareness Month") [Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian-American_Heritage_and_Culture_Month "Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month") [Filipino American History Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_American_History_Month "Filipino American History Month") [LGBT History Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month "LGBT History Month") \| [Columbus Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day "Columbus Day") (federal) [Halloween](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween "Halloween") [Alaska Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Day "Alaska Day") (AK) [Child Health Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_Health_Day "Child Health Day") (36) [General Pulaski Memorial Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Pulaski_Memorial_Day "General Pulaski Memorial Day") [German-American Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German-American_Day "German-American Day") [Indigenous Peoples' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day_\(United_States\) "Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States)") [International Day of Non-Violence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Non-Violence "International Day of Non-Violence") [Leif Erikson Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leif_Erikson_Day "Leif Erikson Day") (36) [Missouri Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Day "Missouri Day") (MO) [Nanomonestotse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanomonestotse "Nanomonestotse") (cultural) [National School Lunch Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_School_Lunch_Week "National School Lunch Week") (week) [Native American Day in South Dakota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Day "Native American Day") (SD) [Nevada Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada_Day "Nevada Day") (NV) [Spirit Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_Day "Spirit Day") (cultural) [Sweetest Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetest_Day "Sweetest Day") [Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot "Sukkot") (religious, week) [Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Islands%E2%80%93Puerto_Rico_Friendship_Day "Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day") (PR, VI) [White Cane Safety Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cane_Safety_Day "White Cane Safety Day") (36) \| \| October–November \| [Birth of the Báb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Holy_Birthdays "Twin Holy Birthdays") (religious) [Birth of Baháʼu'lláh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_of_Bah%C3%A1%CA%BCu%27ll%C3%A1h "Birth of Baháʼu'lláh") (religious) [Day of the Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead "Day of the Dead") (VI) [Diwali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali "Diwali") (NY, religious) [Mawlid al-Nabi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawlid "Mawlid") (religious) \| \| November [Native American Indian Heritage Month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Indian_Heritage_Month "Native American Indian Heritage Month") \| [Veterans Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day "Veterans Day") (federal) [Thanksgiving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_\(United_States\) "Thanksgiving (United States)") (federal) [Ascension of ‘Abdu’l Baha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BBAbdu%27l-Bah%C3%A1 "ʻAbdu'l-Bahá") (religious) [All Saints' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day "All Saints' Day") (religious) [Beginning of the Nativity Fast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_Fast "Nativity Fast") (religious) [Beltane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane "Beltane") / [Samhain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain "Samhain") (religious) [Barack Obama Day in Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_Day "Barack Obama Day") (Perry County, AL) [D. Hamilton Jackson Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Hamilton_Jackson "D. Hamilton Jackson") (VI) [Day after Thanksgiving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_\(shopping\) "Black Friday (shopping)") (24) [Day of the Covenant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Covenant_\(Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD\) "Day of the Covenant (Baháʼí)") (religious) [Discovery of Puerto Rico Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_Puerto_Rico "Discovery of Puerto Rico") (PR) [Election Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_Day_\(United_States\) "Election Day (United States)") (CA, DE, HI, KY, MT, NJ, NY, OH, PR, VA, WV, proposed federal) [Family Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Day "Family Day") (NV) [Friendsgiving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendsgiving "Friendsgiving") [Guru Nanak Gurpurab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak_Gurpurab "Guru Nanak Gurpurab") (religious) [Hanukkah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah "Hanukkah") (religious) [Lā Kūʻokoʻa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_\(Hawaii\) "Independence Day (Hawaii)") (HI, unofficial, cultural) [Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur "Guru Tegh Bahadur") (religious) [Native American Heritage Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Heritage_Day "Native American Heritage Day") (MD, WA, cultural) [Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_of_Mary "Presentation of Mary") (religious) [Trans Day of Remembrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance "Transgender Day of Remembrance") (cultural) [Unthanksgiving Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unthanksgiving_Day "Unthanksgiving Day") (cultural) \| \| December \| [Christmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas "Christmas") (religious, federal) [New Year's Eve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Eve "New Year's Eve") [Advent Sunday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_Sunday "Advent Sunday") (religious) [Alabama Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_Day "Alabama Day") (AL) [Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Gobind_Singh "Guru Gobind Singh") (religious) [Bodhi Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi_Day "Bodhi Day") (religious) [Chalica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalica "Chalica") (religious) [Christmas Eve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Eve "Christmas Eve") (KY, NC, SC, PR, VI) [Day after Christmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day "Boxing Day") (KY, NC, SC, TX, VI) [Festivus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus "Festivus") [HumanLight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HumanLight "HumanLight") [Hanukkah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah "Hanukkah") (religious, week) [Immaculate Conception](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception "Immaculate Conception") (religious) [Indiana Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Day "Indiana Day") (IN) [Kwanzaa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa "Kwanzaa") (cultural, week) [Milad Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Burhanuddin "Mohammed Burhanuddin") (religious) [National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pearl_Harbor_Remembrance_Day "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day") (36) [Nativity of Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Jesus "Nativity of Jesus") (religious) [Old Year's Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Eve "New Year's Eve") (VI) [Pan American Aviation Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_American_Aviation_Day "Pan American Aviation Day") (36) [Pancha Ganapati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sivaya_Subramuniyaswami "Sivaya Subramuniyaswami") (religious, week) [Rosa Parks Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks_Day "Rosa Parks Day") (OH, OR) [Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solemnity_of_Mary,_Mother_of_God "Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God") (religious) [Wright Brothers Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Brothers_Day "Wright Brothers Day") (36) [Yule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule "Yule") (religious) [Zartosht No-Diso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zartosht_No-Diso "Zartosht No-Diso") (religious) \| \| Varies (year round) \| [Eid al-Adha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Adha "Eid al-Adha") (NY, religious) [Eid al-Fitr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Fitr "Eid al-Fitr") (NY, religious) [Islamic New Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_New_Year "Islamic New Year") (religious) [Yawm al-Arafa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Arafah "Day of Arafah") (religious) [Laylat al-Qadr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laylat_al-Qadr "Laylat al-Qadr") (religious) [Navaratri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navaratri "Navaratri") (religious, four times a year) [Obon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Festival "Bon Festival") (religious) [Onam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam "Onam") (religious) [Ramadan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan "Ramadan") (religious, month) [Ghost Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival "Ghost Festival") (religious) [Yawm Aashura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashura "Ashura") (religious) \| \| Legend: (federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific [racial/ethnic group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_and_ethnicity_in_the_United_States_census "Race and ethnicity in the United States census") or [sexual minority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_minority "Sexual minority"), (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = [Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_36_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 36 of the United States Code") See also: [Lists of holidays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_holidays "Lists of holidays"), [Hallmark holidays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallmark_holiday "Hallmark holiday"), [Public holidays in the United 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Readable Markdown	\| Mardi Gras \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG/250px-KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KosmicFrenchmenPurpleFaceMardiGras2009.JPG)[Celebrations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_New_Orleans "Mardi Gras in New Orleans") in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), Louisiana, U.S. \| \| \| Also called \| Fat Tuesday, [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), Pancake Tuesday \| \| Type \| Christian, cultural \| \| Significance \| Celebration period before fasting season of [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent") \| \| Celebrations \| Parades, parties \| \| Date \| Day before [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"), 47 days before [Easter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter "Easter"), 2 days after [Shrove Sunday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Sunday "Shrove Sunday") \| \| 2025 date \| March 4 \| \| 2026 date \| February 17 \| \| 2027 date \| February 9 \| \| 2028 date \| February 29 \| \| Frequency \| Annual \| \| Related to \| [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival"), [Shrove Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Monday "Shrove Monday"), [Pre-Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Lent "Pre-Lent"), [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"), [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent"), [Užgavėnės](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s "Užgavėnės"), [Maslenitsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslenitsa "Maslenitsa") \| Mardi Gras (; ),[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-2) also known as [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"), is the final day of [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") (also known as [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide") or [Fastelavn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastelavn "Fastelavn")); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent") on [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday").[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-3) Mardi Gras ([\[maʁdi ɡʁa\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/French "Help:IPA/French")) is [French](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language "French language") for "Fat Tuesday", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably [red meat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_meat "Red meat"), in preparation for the Christian [fasting season of Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenten_sacrifice "Lenten sacrifice"), during which such foods are avoided.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Related popular practices are associated with Carnival celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the [penitential](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penitential "Penitential") season of Lent. In countries such as the [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom "United Kingdom"), Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive, meaning "to administer the sacrament of [confession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confession_\(religion\) "Confession (religion)") to; to absolve".[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5) Background During the [liturgical season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year "Liturgical year") of Lent, some Christians [abstain from the consumption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenten_sacrifice "Lenten sacrifice") of certain foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Most Christian denominations observe the tradition of Lent; exceptions include many churches within the [Anabaptist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabaptism "Anabaptism"), [Baptist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists "Baptists"), [Methodist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodism "Methodism"), and [Reformed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Christianity "Reformed Christianity") traditions.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-OPC-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Benedict2014-7)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Mennonite-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-FTU2012-9)[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Moore2008-10) [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide") provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) Prior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the [Black Fast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Fast "Black Fast"), which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [vegetarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_vegetarianism "Christian vegetarianism") meal and water after sunset.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Butler1774-13) The tradition of [pancake breakfasts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancake_breakfast "Pancake breakfast") during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of "using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter" prior to Lent.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Campbell2005-11)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-CollinsMartin2005-14) The specific tradition of eating pancakes is said to have roots in [Slavic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavs "Slavs") [paganism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism "Paganism"), with this practice being co-opted into Christian ritual.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-16) Specifically the pancake was said to symbolise the returning of the sun as spring approached.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-17)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-18) In many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the [church bells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_bell "Church bell") (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes".[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cocks1897-20)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-21) As such, a hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Mardis Gras before the start of the somber Lenten season.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22)[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Beadle1994-23)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) The last day of Shrovetide, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is named as such "because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent" in order to prepare for the coming season of repentance.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Traditions The festival season varies from city to city; Mardis Gras often refers to the last day of Shrovetide (or Fastelavn or Carnival), thus being synonymous with [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Rose1995-4) Some traditions, such as the one in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from [Twelfth Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelfth_Night_\(holiday\) "Twelfth Night (holiday)") (the last night of Christmas which begins [Epiphany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_\(holiday\) "Epiphany (holiday)")) to Ash Wednesday.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Wild/Dufour/Cowan_\(seas/New_Orl.\)-25) Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-26) In [Mobile, Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama"), Mardi Gras–[associated social events begin in November](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile "Mardi Gras in Mobile"), followed by [mystic society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society") balls[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MCA-27) New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before [Ash Wednesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday "Ash Wednesday"). In earlier times, parades were held on New Year's Day.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-carnivalterminology-24) Carnival (or [Fastelavn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastelavn "Fastelavn") or [Shrovetide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrovetide "Shrovetide")) is an important celebration in [Lutheran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheran "Lutheran"), [Anglican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican "Anglican") and [Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic "Catholic") European nations.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008-5)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-ELCD2021-22) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/MardiGrasDakar.JPG/250px-MardiGrasDakar.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MardiGrasDakar.JPG) Mardi Gras in [Dakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar "Dakar"), Senegal [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg/250px-Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marseille-carnival-sun-and-moon.jpg) Mardi Gras in [Marseille](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille "Marseille"), France Belgium [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg/250px-Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Binche_-_Les_Gilles.jpg) Mardi Gras in [Binche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binche "Binche"), Belgium The three-day [Carnival of Binche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Binche "Carnival of Binche"), near [Mons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mons,_Belgium "Mons, Belgium"), is one of the best known in Belgium. It takes place around [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday") (or Mardi Gras) just before [Lent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent "Lent"). Performers known as [Gilles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilles "Gilles") wear elaborate costumes in the [national colours](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_colours "National colours") of red, black and yellow. During the parade, they throw [oranges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)") at the crowd.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-28) In 2003, it was recognized by [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO") as one of the [Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterpieces_of_the_Oral_and_Intangible_Heritage_of_Humanity "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity").[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LP223-29) Czech Republic In the [Czech Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic "Czech Republic"), it is a folk tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras, which is called Masopust (meat-fast, i.e. beginning of the fast there). There are celebrations in many places including [Prague](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague "Prague"),[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Masopust-30) but the tradition also prevails in villages such as [Staré Hamry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star%C3%A9_Hamry "Staré Hamry"), whose door-to-door processions made it to the [UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO_World_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_List "UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List").[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-31) Germany The celebration on the same day in [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany "Germany") knows many different terms, depending on the region, such as [Fastnacht](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swabian%E2%80%93Alemannic_Fastnacht "Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht"), meaning the eve of the fast that takes place during Lent, or Veilchensdienstag (Violet Tuesday), as it is called in the Lower Rhine region. The celebrations often stretch from Epiphany, known in sections of Germany as Heilige Drei Könige, through the night before Ash Wednesday, and is variously known by different names, such as [Karneval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Germany,_Switzerland_and_Austria "Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria") or [Fasching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasching "Fasching") in Germany, Austria and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. It is also often referred to as the "fifth season", which traditionally begins with Hoppeditz Erwachen (the waking of Hoppeditz, the Fool who embodies the Karneval season) on 11 November at 11:11 AM (11/11 11:11).\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] and ends with his comic funeral mass on Fastnacht. Karneval is filled with large banquets held by the various organizing societies and generally comes to a climax beginning on what is variously known as Schmutziger Donnerstag or Fetter Donnerstag ([Fat Thursday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday "Fat Thursday")), Unsinniger Donnerstag (Nonsense Thursday), Altweiberfastnacht, Greesentag and others. In [standard German](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_German "Standard German"), schmutzig means "dirty", but in the Alemannic dialects schmotzig means "lard" ([Schmalz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmalz "Schmalz")), or "fat";[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Schmotzig-32) thus "Greasy Thursday", as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Altweiberfastnacht often featured women wearing men's clothing and assuming their roles. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual "takeover" of the town halls by local women has become tradition. Italy In [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy "Italy") Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday). It is the main day of [Carnival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival "Carnival") along with the Thursday before, called Giovedí Grasso (Fat Thursday), which ratifies the start of the celebrations. The most famous [Carnivals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnivals "Carnivals") in northern Italy are in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea, while in the southern part of Italy the Sardinian [Sartiglia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartiglia "Sartiglia") and the intriguing apotropaic masks, especially the mamuthones, issohadores, s'urtzu (and so on), are more popular, belonging to a very ancient tradition. Ivrea has the characteristic "[Battle of Oranges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Oranges "Battle of the Oranges")" that finds its roots in medieval times. The Italian version of the festival is spelled Carnevale.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-33) Sweden In [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden "Sweden") the celebration is called Fettisdagen, when fastlagsbulle is eaten, more commonly called [Semla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semla "Semla"). The name comes from the words "fett" (fat) and "tisdag" (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat [fastlagsbullar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastlagsbulle "Fastlagsbulle").[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-semla-34) United Kingdom See [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday"). United States While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a [French Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Catholic "French Catholic") tradition with the Le Moyne brothers,[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Le_Moyne_d%27Iberville "Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville") and [Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville "Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville"), in the late 17th century, when King [Louis XIV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XIV "Louis XIV") sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of [Louisiane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_\(New_France\) "Louisiana (New France)"), which included what are now the U.S. states of [Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama "Alabama"), [Mississippi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi "Mississippi"), [Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana "Louisiana") and part of eastern [Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas "Texas").[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) The expedition, led by Iberville, entered the mouth of the [Mississippi River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River "Mississippi River") on the evening of 2 March 1699 (new style), [Lundi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lundi_Gras "Lundi Gras"). They did not yet know it was the river explored and claimed for France by [René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier,_Sieur_de_La_Salle "René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle") in 1683. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the east bank about 60 miles (100 km) downriver from where [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans") is today, and made camp. This was on 3 March 1699, Mardi Gras, so in honour of this holiday, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras (French: "Mardi Gras Point") and called the nearby tributary Bayou Mardi Gras.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-36) [Bienville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Le_Moyne_de_Bienville "Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville") went on to found the settlement of [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama") (now in Alabama) in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) In 1703 French settlers in Mobile established the [first organised Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras_in_Mobile "Mardi Gras in Mobile") celebration tradition in what was to become the United States.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-LOCgras-39)[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MBAYgras-40) The first informal [mystic society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society"), or [krewe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe "Krewe"), was formed in Mobile in 1711, the Boeuf Gras Society.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MoMtime-38) Then came the [Striker's Independent Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striker%27s_Independent_Society "Striker's Independent Society") in 1842, followed by the oldest parading mystic society the [Order of Myths](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Myths "Order of Myths") or "OOMs" in 1867. In 1720, [Biloxi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biloxi,_Mississippi "Biloxi, Mississippi") had been made capital of Louisiana. The French Mardi Gras customs had accompanied the colonists who settled there.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg/250px-Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mobile_Mardi_Gras_2010_48.jpg) Knights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), founded in 1718.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-TLhist-37) The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with [Bernard de Marigny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_de_Marigny "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 or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan [Laissez les bons temps rouler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laissez_les_bons_temps_rouler "Laissez les bons temps rouler") ("Let the good times roll"), as floats "roll".[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-MGtime-35)\[[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability")\] Festivities formally began in 1853 when a group of [Protestant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism "Protestantism") [Anglo-Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Americans "Anglo-Americans"), some members of [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama") [Mystic Societies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_society "Mystic society"), formed the first "old-line" krewe, The [Mistick Krewe of Comus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistick_Krewe_of_Comus "Mistick Krewe of Comus"), based on [Bernard de Marigny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_de_Marigny "Bernard de Marigny")'s 1833 parade of paper-mached wagons, a formal [tableau vivant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tableau_vivant "Tableau vivant") and presentation of debutants, followed by a formal [ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_\(dance_event\) "Ball (dance event)"). The [Twelfth Night Revelers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelfth_Night_Revelers "Twelfth Night Revelers") were formed in 1870, again with ties to [Mobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile,_Alabama "Mobile, Alabama"), but no longer stage a parade, just tableau and ball. The [Knights of Momus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Momus "Knights of Momus") and [Rex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_parade "Rex parade") came about in 1872, with the last of the old-line krewes the [Krewe of Proteus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Proteus "Krewe of Proteus") being formed 10 years later. Of these 5 groups only Rex and Proteus still formally parade, with the [Knights of Chaos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Chaos "Knights of Chaos") replacing Momus. The parades of the largest krewes (colloquially known as "super krewes") came later, during the 1960s/70's, and traditionally occur immediately prior to and on Shrove Tuesday, including those of [Endymion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Endymion "Krewe of Endymion") (Saturday, which also culminates with a concert event at [Caesars Superdome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesars_Superdome "Caesars Superdome")), [Bacchus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Bacchus "Krewe of Bacchus") (Sunday), and [Zulu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_Social_Aid_%26_Pleasure_Club "Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club") and [Rex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_parade "Rex parade") (Tuesday). Other cities along the Gulf Coast with early French colonial heritage, from [Pensacola, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida"), and [Galveston, Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston,_Texas "Galveston, Texas"), to [Lake Charles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Charles,_Louisiana "Lake Charles, Louisiana") and [Lafayette, Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette,_Louisiana "Lafayette, Louisiana"), and north to [Natchez, Mississippi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez,_Mississippi "Natchez, Mississippi"), and [Alexandria, Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_Louisiana "Alexandria, Louisiana"), have active Mardi Gras celebrations.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] Galveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball at Turner Hall (Sealy at 21st St.) and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" featuring Alvan Reed (a justice of the peace weighing in at 350 pounds) as Falstaff. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The Knights of Momus, led by some prominent Galvestonians, decorated horse-drawn wagons for a torch lit night parade. Boasting such themes as "The Crusades", "Peter the Great", and "Ancient France", the procession through downtown Galveston culminated at Turner Hall with a presentation of tableaux and a grand gala.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In the rural [Acadiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadiana "Acadiana") area, many [Cajuns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajuns "Cajuns") celebrate with the [Courir de Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras "Courir de Mardi Gras"), a tradition that dates to medieval celebrations in France.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-41) [St. Louis, Missouri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis,_Missouri "St. Louis, Missouri"), founded in 1764 by French fur traders, claims to host the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-42) The celebration is held in the historic French neighborhood, [Soulard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulard,_St._Louis "Soulard, St. Louis"), and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the country.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-43) Although founded in the 1760s, the St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities only date to the 1980s.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-44) The city's celebration begins with "12th night", held on Epiphany, and ends on Fat Tuesday. The season is peppered with various parades celebrating the city's rich French Catholic heritage.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-45) Costumes [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg/250px-Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mardi_Gras_Pirates_New_Orleans_Louisiana_WPA.jpg) Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1937 Mardi Gras, as a celebration of life before the more-somber occasion of Ash Wednesday, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants, and the most popular celebratory colors are purple, green, and gold. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Gabbert1999-46) as well as clowns and [Native Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States "Native Americans in the United States").[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-47) Exposure by women [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG/250px-MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MardiGras2009CoffeeCustomers.JPG) A topless woman at a coffee house, Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, 2009 Although the [Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Church "Christian Church") teaches that it is sinful and that it contravenes the Christian standards of [modesty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modesty#Christianity "Modesty"),[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-O'Malley-48)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-Cuthbert2018-49) the practice of some women exposing their breasts during Mardi Gras in [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), US, has been documented since 1889, when the Times-Democrat decried the "degree of immodesty exhibited by nearly all female masqueraders seen on the streets." The practice was mostly limited to tourists in the upper Bourbon Street area.[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-sparks-50)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) In the crowded streets of the French Quarter, generally avoided by locals on Mardi Gras Day, [flashers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhibitionism "Exhibitionism") on balconies cause crowds to form on the streets.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In the last decades of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial [videotapes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videotape "Videotape") catering to [voyeurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyeurism "Voyeurism") helped encourage a tradition of women baring their breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Social scientists studying "ritual disrobement" found, at Mardi Gras 1991, 1,200 instances of body-baring in exchange for beads or other favors.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_note-shrum-51) Further information on the traveling bead art exhibition: [Bead Town](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bead_Town "Bead Town") See also - [Carnaval de Ponce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaval_de_Ponce "Carnaval de Ponce") – Annual celebration held in Ponce, Puerto Rico - [Bœuf Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%93uf_Gras "Bœuf Gras") – French traditional holiday figure - [Fantasy Fest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_Fest "Fantasy Fest") – Street party in Key West, Florida - [Fat Thursday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday "Fat Thursday") – Christian tradition before Lent - [Maslenitsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslenitsa "Maslenitsa") – Slavic folk and Christian holiday - [Shrove Tuesday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday "Shrove Tuesday") – Tuesday before Ash Wednesday - [Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Gay_and_Lesbian_Mardi_Gras "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras") – Annual LGBTQIA+ pride event in Australia - [Tsiknopempti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsiknopempti "Tsiknopempti") – Greek traditional feast - [Užgavėnės](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C5%BEgav%C4%97n%C4%97s "Užgavėnės") – Lithuanian festival References 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-1) [Wells, John C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Wells "John C. Wells") (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4058-8118-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4058-8118-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4058-8118-0") . 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-2) [Jones, Daniel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Jones_\(phonetician\) "Daniel Jones (phonetician)") (2011). [Roach, Peter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Roach_\(phonetician\) "Peter Roach (phonetician)"); [Setter, Jane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Setter "Jane Setter"); [Esling, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Esling "John Esling") (eds.). [Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Pronouncing_Dictionary "English Pronouncing Dictionary") (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-521-15255-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-15255-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-521-15255-6") . 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-3) ["Mardi Gras (n.)"](https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/9489225210). [Oxford English Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary "Oxford English Dictionary") (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1093/OED/9489225210](https://doi.org/10.1093%2FOED%2F9489225210). (Subscription or [participating institution membership](https://www.oed.com/public/login/loggingin#withyourlibrary) required.) 4. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Rose1995_4-3) Rose, David (1995). Christianity. Folens Limited. p. 9. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-85276-765-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85276-765-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85276-765-5") . "Shrove Tuesday was the day when all the luxury foods were eaten up. These included meat, eggs, milk and fine flour. People also went to church and confessed their sins. Today, many Christians give up 'something' for Lent, while others occupy their time with charitable works. In other parts of the world the day is called Fat Tuesday (or 'Mardi Gras') because people felt bloated having eaten up all the rich foods before Lent. Mardi Gras celebrations are often very elaborate, involving costumes and parties." 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Melitta_Weiss_Adamson,_Francine_Segan_2008_5-1) Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan (2008). [Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl](https://books.google.com/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&q=Anglican+Mardi+Gras&pg=PA354). [ABC-CLIO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC-CLIO "ABC-CLIO"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780313086892](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780313086892 "Special:BookSources/9780313086892") . "In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as Shrove Tuesday—from shrive* meaning "confess"—or Pancake Day—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes." 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-OPC_6-0) ["Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?"](https://www.opc.org/qa.html?question_id=365). Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024. "Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant." 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Benedict2014_7-0) Benedict, Philip (2002). [Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism](https://books.google.com/books?id=JKj_x3W01hoC&q=lent). New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 118, 496. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-300-08812-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-300-08812-4 "Special:BookSources/0-300-08812-4") . 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Mennonite_8-0) [Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent](https://thirdwaycafe.com/glossary/lent/#:~:text=The%20choice%20to%20fast%20or,await%20the%20promise%20of%20Easter.). Third Way Media. Retrieved 3 November 2024. "Traditionally, Mennonites did not observe Lent, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six week season preceding Easter." 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-FTU2012_9-0) Brumley, Jeff (12 March 2012). ["Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals"](http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-12/story/lent-not-just-catholics-also-some-baptists-and-other-evangelicals). [The Florida Times-Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Florida_Times-Union "The Florida Times-Union"). Jacksonville, Florida. Retrieved 3 November 2024. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Moore2008_10-0) Moore, Scott (2008). "The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars". In Ward, Roger; Gushee, David (eds.). \[978-0881461046 The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education\]. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press. p. 143. "In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up." 11. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Campbell2005_11-1) Campbell, Georgina (May 2005). The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive. Georgina Campbell Guides. p. 106. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-903164-15-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-903164-15-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-903164-15-0") . "Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade." 12. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler_12-1) Butler, Alban (1839). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church. Dublin: James Duffy. pp. 144–146\. "The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds." 13. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Butler1774_13-1) Butler, Alban (1774). The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church. C. Kiernan. p. 257. "It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset." 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-CollinsMartin2005_14-0)* Collins, Tony; Martin, John; Vamplew, Wray (2005). Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports. Psychology Press. p. 202. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0415352246](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0415352246 "Special:BookSources/978-0415352246") . "The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes." 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-15) Gornstein, Leslie (3 March 2025). ["The strange and amazing history of pancake celebrations"](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/amazing-history-of-pancake-celebrations/7/). CBS News. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-16) ["Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?"](https://www.visitheritage.co.uk/inspiration/visit-heritage-blog/read/2023/02/why-do-we-eat-pancakes-on-shrove-tuesday-b302). visitheritage.co.uk. 20 February 2023. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-17) ["The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday"](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/the-pagan-roots-of-pancake-day). History.co.uk. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-18) Hughes-Onslow, Flora (21 February 2023). ["Shrove Tuesday: A traditional pancake recipe"](https://www.discoverbritain.com/history/traditions/shrove-tuesday-all-you-need-to-know/). discoverbritain.com. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-19) ["What Is the Meaning and History of Shrove Tuesday?"](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html). [Christianity.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity.com "Christianity.com"). 13 February 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024. "In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes."" 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cocks1897_20-0) Cocks, Alfred Heneage (1897). The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; \&c. Jarrold & sons. p. 276. 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-21) Pulleyn, William (1828). The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions. [Richard Griffin and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Griffin_and_Company "Richard Griffin and Company"). p. 192. 22. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-ELCD2021_22-1) ["Shrovetide"](https://www.lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide). [Church of Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Denmark "Church of Denmark"). Retrieved 8 February 2021. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Beadle1994_23-0)* Beadle, Richard (17 March 1994). [The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre](https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69). Cambridge University Press. p. [69](https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780521459167](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780521459167 "Special:BookSources/9780521459167") . "One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and Mankind bears signs of being one of them (335)." 24. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-carnivalterminology_24-2) ["Mardi Gras Terminology"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071209165238/http://www.mobile.org/vis_mardigras_terms.php). Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. Archived from [the original](http://www.mobile.org/vis_mardigras_terms.php) on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Wild/Dufour/Cowan_\(seas/New_Orl.\)_25-0)* Wilds, John; Charles L. Dufour; Walter G. Cowan (1996). [Louisiana, Yesterday and Today: A Historical Guide to the State](https://books.google.com/books?id=CyI14B5pua8C&q=mardi+gras+season+from+twelfth+night+to+ash+wednesday+new+orleans&pg=PA157). Baton Rouge: LSU Press. p. 157. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0807118931](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0807118931 "Special:BookSources/978-0807118931") . Retrieved 11 December 2015. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-26) Bratcher, Dennis (7 January 2010). ["The Season of Lent"](http://www.crivoice.org/cylent.html). Christian Resource Institute. Retrieved 25 June 2016. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MCA_27-0) "Mobile Carnival Association, 1927", MardiGrasDigest.com, 2006, webpage: [mardigrasdigest-Mobile](http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/Bureau/Mobile/mobile_carnival_association.htm) ["Mobile Carnival Association"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060307233517/http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/Bureau/Mobile/mobile_carnival_association.htm). Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2018. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-28) ["The best Belgian folklore festivals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130804122549/http://www.expatica.com/nl/leisure/travel_tourism/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html). expatica.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.expatica.com/nl/leisure/travel_tourism/The-best-Belgian-folklore-festivals_16212.html) on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2012. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LP223_29-0) Cole, Leanne Logan & Geert (2007). Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg (3. ed.). Footscray (Victoria): Lonely Planet. p. 223. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-74104-237-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-74104-237-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-74104-237-5") . 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Masopust_30-0) ["Mardi Gras in Bohemia-Prague"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3IqY-QsJgc). [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/p3IqY-QsJgc) from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2016 – via [YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube "YouTube"). 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-31) ["Staročeský masopust Hamry"](https://www.masopusthamry.cz/). Retrieved 16 December 2017. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Schmotzig_32-0) ["Woher hat der Schmutzige Donnerstag seinen Namen?"](https://www.rontaler.ch/20330/woher-hat-der-schmutzige-donnerstag-seinen-namen). Regionalzeitung Rontaler AG (in German). 17 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-33) Killinger, Charles L. (2005). [Culture and Customs of Italy](https://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00char). Greenwood Publishing Group. p. [94](https://archive.org/details/culturecustomsof00char/page/94). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0313324895](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0313324895 "Special:BookSources/978-0313324895") . "mardi gras in italy." 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-semla_34-0) ["Swedish semla: more than just a bun"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110606090150/http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Reading/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun/). Sweden.se. Archived from [the original](http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Reading/Swedish-semla-more-than-just-a-bun/) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011. 35. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MGtime_35-4) "New Orleans & Mardi Gras History Timeline " (event list), Mardi Gras Digest, 2005, webpage: [MG-time](https://web.archive.org/web/20101124195528/http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/html/mardi_gras_history__timeline.htm) 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-36)* ["9 Things You May Not Know About Mardi Gras"](http://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-mardi-gras). History.com. Retrieved 17 August 2017. 37. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-TLhist_37-1) "Timeline 18th Century:" (events), Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: [TLine-1700-1724](http://timelines.ws/1700_1724.HTML) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100701122153/http://timelines.ws/1700_1724.HTML) 1 July 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"): on "1702–1711" of Mobile. 38. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MoMtime_38-1) ["Carnival/Mobile Mardi Gras Timeline"](http://www.museumofmobile.com/timeline.php). Museum of Mobile. Retrieved 18 July 2012. 39. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-LOCgras_39-0)* "Mardi Gras in Mobile" (history), [Jeff Sessions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Sessions "Jeff Sessions"), Senator, [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"), 2006, webpage: [LibCongress-2665](http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cocoon/legacies/AL/200002665.html). 40. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-MBAYgras_40-0) "Mardi Gras" (history), Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2007, webpage: [MGmobile](https://www.mobile.org/ab_mardigras.php/ab_mardigras_history.php). 41. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-41) [Barry Jean Ancelet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jean_Ancelet "Barry Jean Ancelet") (1989). [Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras](https://archive.org/details/capitainevoyaget00ance). Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-940984-46-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-940984-46-6 "Special:BookSources/0-940984-46-6") . 42. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-42) Geiling, Natasha. ["Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans"](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-celebrate-mardi-gras-outside-new-orleans-180954286/). Smithsonian. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 43. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-43) Houser, Dave G. ["7 big Mardi Gras celebrations (not in New Orleans)"](http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/ct-mardi-gras-celebrations-not-in-new-orleans-20170131-story.html). chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 44. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-44) ["Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard Neighborhood"](http://www.allaboutmardigras.com/Features/soulardhistory.html). allaboutmardigras.com. Retrieved 12 February 2018. 45. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-45) ["12th Night \\| Soulard Mardi Gras 2018"](https://stlmardigras.org/events/12th-night). stlmardigras.org. St. Louis, MO. Retrieved 11 February 2018. 46. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Gabbert1999_46-0) Lisa Gabbert (1999). [Mardi Gras: A City's Masked Parade](https://books.google.com/books?id=4T2D0H8KJDAC&pg=PA4). The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 4. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8239-5337-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-5337-0 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8239-5337-0") . 47. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-47) [A Mardi Gras Dictionary](https://books.google.com/books?id=QJzd111SBGwC&pg=PT6). Pelican Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-4556-0836-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4556-0836-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4556-0836-2") . 48. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-O'Malley_48-0) O'Malley, Timothy P. (20 May 2022). Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life. Ave Maria Press. p. 13. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-64680-157-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-64680-157-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-64680-157-2") . 49. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-Cuthbert2018_49-0) Cuthbert, Chloe (19 February 2018). ["Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras"](https://medium.com/iron-ladies/why-we-celebrate-mardi-gras-a185f0eee70a). Iron Ladies. Retrieved 17 April 2024. "And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it's discouraged." 50. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-sparks_50-0) Sparks, R. ["American Sodom: New Orleans Faces Its Critics and an Uncertain Future"](https://nuevomundo.revues.org/document3941.html). La Louisiane à la dérive. [The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales Coloquio](https://nuevomundo.revues.org/sommaire2899.html#rub3927). 16 December 2005. 51. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras#cite_ref-shrum_51-1) Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. ["Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/2580408). Social Forces, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458. External links [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Mardi Gras](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mardi_Gras "commons:Category:Mardi Gras"). - [Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras Celebrations](http://worldmusic.about.com/od/northamerican/p/CajunMardiGras.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075116/http://worldmusic.about.com/od/northamerican/p/CajunMardiGras.htm) 7 July 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") - [Mardi Gras in Mobile, Encyclopedia of Alabama](https://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1437) - [Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras Around the World](https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2009/jan/21/mardi-gras-carnival-festivals-guide) – slideshow by [The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")* - [Fashion plates featuring historic Mardi Gras costumes](http://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15324coll12/searchterm/mardi%20gras/order/nosort) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries
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