Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," is a festive Carnival season leading to Ash Wednesday, known for parades, costumes, music, and beads, especially in New Orleans and Mobile, celebrating the last indulgence before Lent; its traditions involve vibrant parades by Krewes, throwing trinkets like beads, and wearing purple, green, and gold to signify royalty, justice, and faith. The festivities, rooted in ancient pagan rites and European Catholic traditions, culminate on Fat Tuesday, the day before the Christian fasting season of Lent begins.