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| A reveler makes his way through the French Quarter during Mardi Gras day on February 9, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) |
Today is Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, a French Catholic tradition that celebrates debauchery before Lent begins with Ash Wednesday for Christians. Mardi Gras is always celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter. This year, Easter is on Sunday, April 16. Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival, which begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. January 6 is also known as Kings’ Day or Twelfth Night, and it celebrates the arrival of the three wise men at Jesus’ birthplace. [
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Learn more about the origins and history of Mardi Gras below!
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| Re-enactors from the Roman Deva Victrix 20th Legion parade through the city of Chester as they celebrate the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia on December 15, 2016 in Chester, England. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) |
- It Has Roots in Paganism
- It is Known by Many Names
- It Was Officially Made a Christian Holiday in 1582
- It Arrived in North America in 1699
- Women Have Been Exposing Their Breasts for Beads Since the 19th Century
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| Revelers beg for beads to be tossed from a balcony in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras day on February 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Patrick Semansky/Getty Images) |
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