The celebration is called Mardi Gras because the name is French for “Fat Tuesday.” It refers to the custom of eating rich, fatty foods—such as meat, butter, eggs, and cheese—on the day before Ash Wednesday, when the Lenten season of fasting begins.

Mardi Gras ([maʁdi ɡʁa]) is French for " Fat Tuesday ", referring to it being the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods, most notably red meat, in preparation for the Christian fasting season of Lent, during which such foods are avoided.

Known as Mardi Gras in French-speaking cultures, Fat Tuesday is also called Carnival Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Tuesday. Regardless of the moniker by which it’s referred, the holiday...

Mardi Gras commemorates the last day before the start of Lent. Mardi Gras is on Feb. 17 this year, and many people around the world will celebrate the festive holiday with parades and parties.

Experience Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge with lively parades, family fun, and king cake. Find everything you need to plan your perfect Mardi Gras adventure.

Welcome to Soulard Mardi Gras! Home of the Bud Light Grand Parade, Purina Pet Parade, and much more.

Mardi is the French word for “Tuesday,” and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”