Who Was In New Orleans This Evening?
To enjoy Mardi Gras, we need to travel south to New Orleans!
Did You Know? Mardi Gras has a long history!
Christian Influence: When Christianity spread throughout Europe, the pagan celebrations were often incorporated into the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent.
Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, Mardi Gras was celebrated as a last hurrah before the period of fasting and abstinence that marked Lent. It was a time for indulging in rich foods and excess before the austerity of Lent.
New Orleans: Mardi Gras was brought to the United States by French explorers who settled in the region that is now Louisiana. The first Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans was held in 1699, and the tradition has continued to this day, with elaborate parades, costume balls, and other festivities.
