What is the history of Mardi Gras?

Answer by  heavensent (241)

Mardi Gras is the French term for "Fat Tuesday" celebration which is related to the Lenten season. It is the last night of eating fatty foods. Celebration varies from city to city and is also called "Carnival". Most common is the street parade or street dancing where participants dance in the streets wearing colorful costumes and masks.

Answer by  brooklyne (46)

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and refers to the practice of celebrating and eating lots of fatty food before the religious fasting obligations of Ash Wednesday.

Answer by  Dean (4035)

During Lent (six weeks preceding Easter) there is to be penance, fasting and pious practices-no parties. So, after 12th night, the Carnival season allows Catholics to eat, drink, be merry and wallow is abject debauchery. Mardi Gras is French for "fat Tuesday," the day before Ash Wednesday-the start of Lent, and is the last and biggest day for racous behavior.

Answer by  Christian9247 (5042)

It is a French term for 'Fat Tuesday' which is related to the Lenten season. The last night for eating fatty foods. It was originally called Carnival! Most common for street parades and venders of many foods and dishes it became a New Orleans tradition. The celebration has hence grown into something more than its origins.