By dezimey kum
Mardi Gras marks the culmination of the Carnival season, leading up to Lent. It's a time for parades, masquerades and indulging before the fasting period.
In 2025, Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, Mar. 4 – the day before Ash Wednesday. This marks the point of a season filled with festive fun.
The celebrations start on Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) and crescendo through weeks of parades and parties until Fat Tuesday, creating a festive atmosphere unlike any other.
Traditional celebrations include parades, wearing colorful costumes and enjoying King Cake – a sweet pastry symbolizing the festival.
The tradition dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility festivals, including the Roman celebrations of Saturnalia and Lupercalia.
The first Mardi Gras celebration in America is said to have taken place in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama.
Organized by social groups known as "krewes," these parades showcase themed floats and masked riders.
Participants often toss beads and other trinkets to crowds during parades.
New Orleans hosts numerous parades during Mardi Gras. Major parades include Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Bacchus and Krewe of Orpheus.
Mardi Gras is celebrated globally, with notable events in Rio de Janeiro, Venice and Binche.
Enjoy the festivities by staying in groups, keeping valuables secure and following local safety guidelines. Celebrate responsibly and soak in every moment!