In case you didn’t know, today is Fat Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras in French). It’s the last hoorah so to speak before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Basically, you get to get all of your fun, crazy drinking or whatever other activities you participate in out of the way before Lent begins. The origin of Fat Tuesday came from the tradition of slaughtering and eating a calf on the last day of the Carnival. This “Carnival” celebration originated initially in Europe and some parts of Latin America. The Carnival starts on January 6 (12 days after Christmas) and lasts until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Eventually the French in New Orleans brought this tradition to America for the big celebration we know of today. If you’ve ever been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, then you know it’s a sight to see. It would be interesting to see how it is celebrated in other countries as well though.
Here’s 5 Reasons To Love Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
Crawfish, Crawfish, Crawish!
Many restaurants will be serving boiled crawfish (so good with potatoes and corn) and lots of it on this day. So if you’re a seafood lover, this is the day to go out and get it!
Pancakes Anyone?
In some parts of the country, Mardi Gras is actually called Pancake Tuesday. A great excuse to get in those last minute glutinous meals before Lent begins that include all those fattening ingredients used to make great pancakes.
Don’t Blame It On The Alcohol
Jamie Foxx may have made the phrase “Blame It On The Alcohol” popular a few years ago, but in actuality many people are probably doing just that today. There will be plenty drink specials floating around tonight, but remember to drink responsibly.
The Music
That New Orleans big band sound is contagious and you can’t help but move to it when you hear it. Tubas and percussion lead this addictive mood music for the occasion. Makes me want some Popeye’s (notice, a lot of this has to deal with food, lol).
Free Your Mind
On a serious note, I’m not Catholic, but the idea of participating in Lent is very admirable to me. I’ve watched others and participated myself a few times, and it is not easy. But in the end you do feel a sense of accomplishment and more in touch with yourself and God. Sometimes it’s good to have a little fun before you embark on a strenuous commitment. It helps make it easier in my opinion.
Does anyone celebrate Mardi Gras? What are your favorite parts about it?
Mmm, that crawfish meal sounds good!
I don’t celebrate Mardi Gras (I’m from Toronto). Kinda glad, I need to stay away from all those pancake! haha =P
Yes it is very good! You should try it when you get a chance. Don’t know if they have crawfish in Toronto though. I actually don’t technicaly celebrate it either, but I love the good food and the music. LOL about the pancakes! Thanks for checking out my site. Make sure to check out some of my poetry too.
Yeah, crawfish isn’t a typical thing to find on a menu around here.
No need to thank me. Sure, I’ll be back to check out some poetry
Great, informative article! I never knew that Fat Tuesday meant Mardi Gras, nor did I know the reason for the celebration! Sad, huh? But, thank s to you, I now know! I attended a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, back in the day in (my early twenties). I can still remember being in awe of the costumes and the people’s actions / reactions, all the while thinking this can be very dangerous…so many people, with so many cotumes on, in such a crowded place! Who do you blame or where do you run if something adverse should happen? I guess I am too “cautious” to enjoy such free-willed” fun! I have never gone back to a New Orleans festival since that time (only Galveston, years later…still had some of the same orignal feelings.) I enjoy it much better watching it on the TV!!!
Thanks for the insight. And, as usual, such an informative piece of literary work!!