Revelry, excess, beads—it must be Mardi Gras! Meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, this celebration has its origins in a mix of religious traditions and pagan celebrations dating back to medieval times. From these French cultural roots stem the parades, king cakes, beads, feathered masks, and festive treats that are iconic in today’s celebrations. Learn what Mardi Gras is, why it’s celebrated in French culture, and how to “Let the good times roll.”
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What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is the popular name of the day before Lent on the Christian calendar. It’s also the name given to the celebrations associated with this time of year, incorporating parades, floats, beads, colorful costumes, and king cakes.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is une fête mobile (a moveable feast day). The official date of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is always the Tuesday that falls 47 days before Easter, one day before the start of Lent.
Because the date of Easter varies each year on the Christian calendar, Mardi Gras can be as early as February 3 or as late as March 9.
Origins of Mardi Gras celebrations in France
Celebrations of excess and indulgence were already common within pagan traditions of spring and raucous celebrations honoring the gods within the Roman Empire. When Christianity and Roman culture mixed, these celebrations became part of the cultural background of France and other European countries.
Even as the Catholic church was the most prominent institution, it embraced and adapted these traditions into French holidays rather than forbade them. In the Middle Ages, popular celebrations included masked balls, feasts, and parades.
Why is it called “Fat Tuesday”?
France has a long history of traditions associated with the Catholic church. The period of Le Carême, known as Lent, required 40 days of fasting from, or giving up, specific foods, beginning on mercredi des Cendres (Ash Wednesday). Families would not be permitted to consume meats, fats, or sweets during Le Carême.
So, eating red meat, rich breads and pastries, and various desserts for a couple of days before fasting would help to use up eggs, lard, and butter ahead of the restriction and avoid waste. With good reason, these days were collectively known as jours de gras (fat days), but the tradition of indulgence on Tuesday specifically led to the use of the words mardi (Tuesday) and gras (fat) in the holiday we recognize today.
This period of time is also known as Carnaval (carnival) around the world, as the word “carnival” has its origins in a Latin word meaning “to remove meat.”
Mardi Gras traditions in Paris
The promenade du boeuf gras (parade of the fattened ox) built upon Roman traditions, with instances in Paris dating back to the 16th century. Forbidden for periods of time, the parade would always return with renewed popularity. By the 1800s, parades grew to include various musicians in character dress, multiple boeufs (oxen/steer), and masked figures. Paris was a perfect host for parades, especially on its famous wide streets called les grands boulevards (the great boulevards).
Mardi Gras was a popular date for the masked balls that were wildly popular in Parisian culture in the 1800s, where social classes would mix behind their masks and costumes. It was a night where the wealthy could throw off the constraints of dignified life, and everyone could break the rules before returning to piety and normalcy.
Mardi Gras traditions in the US
This aspect of French culture traveled to the American colonies as early as 1699, bringing with it the traditions of the boeuf gras and masked parades. The celebrations spread to large parts of Louisiana, where they have evolved into some of the best-known Mardi Gras parades and celebrations in the world.
Festooned in purple, green, and gold, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras season shines during the whole period between Christmas and Easter. People pour into the streets to participate in the lively culture of the city for weeks.
Krewes organize events in New Orleans
Mardi Gras “krewes” are private organizations that organize and fund the parades, floats, and performances that draw so many crowds to the city for what they call “the greatest free show on earth.” The first known krewe was established in 1836 with anonymous members who organized floats and masked balls. Others would soon follow to establish the tradition of “throws” (beads, trinkets, and coins).
The element of mystery is important to the krewes, many of which were originally secret societies with strict membership rules. Even today, they do not reveal the identities of the king and queen of their floats. The official parade schedule is listed with the names of each krewe and their routes. Some krewes also have invitation-only balls to celebrate.
Purple, green, and gold are the official colors
Purple, green, and gold adorn almost everything in US Mardi Gras celebrations. These three colors were made official in the late 1800s in honor of a visiting Russian duke.
- purple for justice
- green for faith
- gold for power
People wear elaborate costumes and masks to events
Costumes aren’t just for the float performers. Children and adults alike take the opportunity to dress as they please, with popular costumes including over-the-top features and accessories that include:
- sequins
- feathers
- wigs and headpieces
- masks
The mask is not only an essential costume accessory, but it’s also basically a requirement for all float riders, or they might be breaking krewe rules and get fined. While it’s illegal the rest of the year to conceal your identity with a mask, exceptions are made for Mardi Gras masks in keeping with its historical roots of breaking with social class rules at the masked balls.
King cakes are a must
Whether you bake your own or get one from a local bakery, a king cake is a fun tradition that brings a group together, perhaps more than once. The round ring of slightly sweet bread or cake is shaped and decorated to represent a crown. When the slices are divided among the guests, someone will find a surprise inside—often a large dried bean or a plastic baby. The guest who receives the baby is responsible for hosting the next party, and can wear a paper or plastic crown for the rest of the day.
This fun tradition answers the question “What does Mardi Gras have to do with Jesus?” King cake is rooted in another religious French holiday, the day of Epiphany. January 6th is the day that commemorates when the baby Jesus was first revealed to the three Kings, hence the symbolism of the shape of the cake and the plastic baby inside. This day is known as Día de Reyes (Kings’ Day) in Spanish-speaking cultures as well.
Crêpes, pancakes, or waffles are essential foods
Load up on your favorite rich breakfast pastries or make your own crêpes, pancakes, or waffles. Don’t hold back on the toppings and fillings, because this day is a time to break all the rules.
If you feel like something homemade, try fried doughnuts topped with powdered sugar. Known as beignets, these are a delicious tradition in New Orleans, especially if you pair them with a café au lait (coffee with milk) using a brand made with chicory, like at the famous Café du Monde.
If you love crêpes, you’ll love the fact that the French also have an entire pancake holiday known as La Chandeleur.
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