Mardi Gras

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Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday is the last Tuesday before Lent, and comes right before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French and is translated to 'Fat Tuesday'. Originally during Lent Christians abstained from eating meat (this practice has been adapted and now only applies to Fridays in Lent). Chefs and restaurateurs would fry up enormous quantities of bacon to have enough 'fat' or frying grease to carry them through the 40 days of Lent. As lent was a time of reflection and sacrifice, this was the last opportunity people had for parties and enjoyment for forty days, so many cities with large Christian populations held elaborate carnivals or street fairs. They often included parades, costumes and ornate and elaborate ceremonies. The parties grew in size and length and were generally celebrated for seven days. This holiday is still celebrated today, with the largest street carnivals occurring in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

Mardi Gras