Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is a carnival celebration that takes place before the Christian season of Lent. It's a time of feasting, partying, and merriment, often marked by parades, masquerade balls, and indulgent foods. The celebration has its roots in medieval Europe, where it was a last chance to indulge in rich, fatty foods before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.

In the United States, Mardi Gras is most famously celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it's been a major event since the 18th century. The city's French and Spanish colonial history has influenced the unique blend of cultures and traditions that define the celebration. Today, Mardi Gras in New Orleans attracts millions of visitors each year, with elaborate parades, jazz music, and delicious Creole cuisine.

While Mardi Gras is often associated with excess and revelry, it's also a time for community, family, and cultural expression. Many people use the occasion to connect with their heritage, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the diversity of American culture. Whether you're in New Orleans or elsewhere, Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras is a joyous occasion that's sure to leave you feeling festive and inspired.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was a pagan festival marking the end of winter. The ancient Romans and Greeks would hold festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring, often featuring feasting, drinking, and merriment. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the early Church attempted to eliminate these pagan traditions, but they persisted in various forms.

In the 12th century, the Catholic Church established the celebration of Carnival, which was a period of feasting and revelry before the 40-day fasting period of Lent. The French and Spanish brought their own Carnival traditions to the Americas, where they merged with African and indigenous cultures. In New Orleans, the unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences created a distinctive Mardi Gras culture that's been evolving for centuries.

Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many parts of the world, from Brazil to Trinidad and Tobago, but its American roots are deeply tied to the cultural heritage of New Orleans. The city's Mardi Gras traditions have been shaped by its history, from the early colonial period to the present day, and continue to evolve with each new generation.

When to Celebrate: Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras typically falls on a Tuesday, 47 days before Easter.

Where to Celebrate: New Orleans, Louisiana, is the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, but many other cities and towns across the country host their own festivities.

What to Do: Attend a Mardi Gras parade, try some delicious Creole cuisine, and don a colorful mask or costume to get into the spirit. You can also host your own Mardi Gras party, complete with jazz music, beads, and king cake.

What to Eat: Indulge in rich, fatty foods like beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, and king cake, which are traditional Mardi Gras treats. Don't forget to try some delicious Creole coffee and chicory!

What to Wear: Don a colorful mask, a festive costume, and plenty of beads and feathers to get into the Mardi Gras spirit. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of dancing and walking.

• Don't: Wear purple, green, and gold (the official Mardi Gras colors) on any other day of the year, as it's considered bad luck.
• Don't: Refuse a Mardi Gras mask or beads, as it's considered impolite.
• Do: Respect the cultural heritage and traditions of Mardi Gras, and avoid appropriating or commercializing them.
• Do: Be prepared for large crowds and long lines, especially in New Orleans.
• Do: Bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors and festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras.