One of the most well-known names for this day, Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday"), reflects the tradition of enjoying rich foods on this day. Another common name for the holiday, Carnival, may also refer to this last enjoyment of rich foods. read more
Mardi Gras is intended as a final push for self enjoyment before the solemnity of the Lenten season that begins with Ash Wednesday the following day. This is why Mardi Gras festivities in some places end immediately at midnight after a day of parties and celebrations on that Tuesday. read more
Mardi Gras, synonymous with the Carnival preceding Lent, translated from the French, literally means “fat Tuesday.” This is the final day prior to Ash Wednesday on the Roman Catholic calendar (Shrove Tuesday on the Anglican calendar), the Tuesday before Lent begins. read more
Rip off 40 days and round to the nearest new moon (ticking backwards), then count forward to the next Wednesday, that's Ash Wednesday, the end of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is the day before that. The whole next month back is Mardi Gras. read more