History of Mardi Gras: The origins of Carnival and how it’s celebrated around the world

What Is Fat Tuesday? All About Mardi Gras' History and Meaning

Fat Tuesday has been observed since ancient Roman timesA Mardi Gras parade float featuring a jester surrounded by a crowd of participants Chris Graythen/Getty If you’ve heard of Mardi Gras, you’ve heard of Fat Tuesday.Known as Mardi Gras in French-speaking cultures, Fat Tuesday is also called Carnival Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Tuesday. Regardless of the moniker by which it’s referred, the holiday revolves around feasts, parties and par…

History of Mardi Gras: The origins of Carnival and how it’s celebrated around the world

The holiday is believed to date back to Pagan customs and traditions, but celebrations have been shared by many other cultures across thousands of years.

A quick history of Mardi Gras

(OSV News) — Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. In times of greater Lenten austerity in Catholic countries, Mardi Gras offered an opportunity for households to consume some foods they would not enjoy until Easter. Pancakes and revelry In England, the day has been celebrated with pancakes (which use eggs, milk and sugar — items our ancestors would have foregone during Lent), while in som…