Does France celebrate Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is celebrated in various cities around France, like Paris, and especially Nice with its Carnaval de Nice, one of the largest carnivals in the world (February 15th to March 6th). This year, the carnival theme is 'Roi des 5 Continents' (King of the 5 continents). read more

Mardi Gras was celebrated in Roman Catholic France centuries before the New World was discovered. The riotous parades and parties in New Orleans got their start as imports by French explorers who introduced a favorite annual custom to the raw social fabric of the colonial Gulf region. So, the French had it first and they named it well. read more

Mardi-Gras and Carnival represent a festive season in France which refers to eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lent, accompanied with sumptuous public celebrations or parades (les carnavals) which take place in many French towns and schools. read more

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the day-long highlight of the season. While Mardi Gras most certainly has pagan, pre-Christian origins, the Roman Catholic Church legitimized the festival as a brief celebration before the penitential season of Lent. read more

Mardi Gras is celebrated in various cities around France, like Paris, and especially Nice with its Carnaval de Nice, one of the largest carnivals in the world (February 15th to March 6th). This year, the carnival theme is ‘Roi des 5 Continents’ (King of the 5 continents). read more

Mardi Gras and kids in France: Every year, schools across France celebrate Carnival by throwing a mini carnival party where parents get to watch their kids parade around in their Mardi Gras costumes. Similar to how North American kids might go to school dressed up for Halloween except not scary. read more