Mardi Gras, a French word meaning Fat Tuesday, is an annual holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. It marks the day before the start of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. It is most commonly associated with New Orleans and its famous parades, parties, and colorful costumes, but it also has a long history and many different traditions.
That said, if any of what we’ve said so far has surprised you and piqued your interest, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re going to delve into the fun facts about Mardi Gras you may not know about:
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Table of Contents
Its Roots May Have Been Pagan
Mardi Gras celebrations are believed by some to have originated from pagan festivals that celebrated the coming of spring and fertility. Others think these celebrations were created by the Catholic Church to discourage people from engaging in sex and eating meat during Lent. Some people suggest that Church reformers spread rumors about the pagan origins of Mardi Gras to discourage people from partying too much before Lent.
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It Wasn’t First Hosted in New Orleans
Mardi Gras originated in France and was brought to North America on March 3, 1699, by French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville. To commemorate the day, he named the spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small celebration. This celebration was continued by French soldiers and settlers in the newly founded city of Mobile, Alabama, making it the oldest annual Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
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It Gets Canceled Once in a While
Mardi Gras has been a tradition in New Orleans since 1857 and is an annual festival. However, due to a variety of reasons, such as the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the 2006 Hurricane Katrina, the festivities have been canceled a dozen times. More recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the parades and in-person celebrations have been canceled for 2021.
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King Cake Is Only Eaten during the Season
King cake is a special treat that is only around during the Mardi Gras season. It is made from a dough that is braided and laced with cinnamon and then topped with purple, green, and gold sugar or icing. It is unique because it has a small plastic baby hidden inside. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is responsible for buying the next cake or hosting the next party.
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It Is the Same Celebration as Carnival
The Mardi Gras season starts on January 6, which is also known as Epiphany, Three Kings Day, or the Twelfth Day of Christmas. This festive period lasts until the stroke of midnight on Fat Tuesday when Lent begins and the spiritual season of Ash Wednesday begins. In some countries, this entire period is referred to as Carnival. No matter the name, it is a time of joyous celebration and merrymaking that carries on till the start of Lent.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras is an exciting and festive season that is celebrated around the world. It is marked by colorful parades, festive decorations, and traditional treats like king cake. So, if you’re looking to take a tour of New Orleans, especially during the Mardi Gras season, you can expect nothing short of an amazing and memorable experience.
Jolly And Nice brings people from everywhere together to enjoy the wonders of dining, wine, and many other culinary traditions and festivals. If you are looking for fun holiday events and more, check out our other articles!
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