The city of New Orleans It is currently celebrating one of the most emblematic festivities throughout the year, the Mardi Grasa carnival that is celebrated on the first Tuesday of March, when thousands of people make a series of events related to typical celebration activities.
Mardi Gras traditions combine roots Religious and culturalbecause it usually begins after the Christian parties of the Epiphanytherefore, the carnival has become an event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, who want to see the parades and the vibrant atmosphere of the city in Louisiana This March 4.
Although the New Orleans region is traditionally responsible for organizing the “original carnival”, over the years the holiday has expanded to other latitudes and by 2025 parades are expected in the states of Alabama and Missourias well as in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
In addition to being internationally known as Mardi Gras, the event receives other names in English: Fat Tuesday & Shrove Tuesday (Gordo Tuesday and Carnival Tuesday, in Spanish), so many people think there are three festivities differentand although at some point they were, it is not so.
Why Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday to Mardi Gras?
The expression “Mardi Gras” in French is translated into Spanish as “fat Tuesday” and this is because many people refer to this date like the last night to eat “fat -rich foods” before fast In the season of Lent: Six weeks of internal purification held in thousands of churches.
In the United Kingdom, the event is also known as “Pancake Tuesday“(Tuesday of PANQUEQUESin Spanish) because one of the most popular practices is to eat many “flat cakes with milk”, before the start of fasting and other religious obligations associated with the season penitential of Lent.
Read more about Ivana Batchelor: The impressive suit that wore in the Mardi Gras de New Orleans
For its part, in the case of the name Shrove Tuesday (Carnival Tuesday), its name is directly linked to the celebration Multicultural that reflects inheritance Cajún of Louisiana, related to the ethnic group descending the French who lived on the border between Canada and the United States, which was recognized in 1980.
The Cajún ethnic group arrived in the state of Louisiana after having been deported in the 18th century by the British; And given this situation, the descendants of the French began to live south of the region, especially in the cities of Lafayette and Lake Charleswhere they maintained the influence of their culture, characterized by parades.
According to the American newspaper, Use Today, The Festivity of Mardi Gras has roots in the French traditions, taking into consideration that the state of Louisiana was colonized by France Before being part of the United States, and for that same reason, the influence of culture remains alive, especially in New Orleans.
“In Louisiana there are festivities that include elements such as King Cakea traditional cake from France, in addition to the parades organized by the Krewesa group of leaders who plan the events in the state, “added the American media, which assured that New Orleans is the most emblematic To celebrate Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Always Goes On Even If it has to start at 6:30 am to Avoid Severe Weather.
Zulu Parade on Fat Tuesday Is Happening Now Even If It’s a Little Stripped Down and Vry Early. The Queen Is Here. 🎉🥳🎊 pic.twitter.com/kjwzhz5snq
– Simon Unleashed (@simonsayskNow) March 4, 2025