National Day News- Mardi Gras!

Today, February 21, is Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. This day is the interlinking of a time of “festivals and feasts” in preparation and readiness for fasting and reflection.

Mardi Gras is french for Fat Tuesday, and this occasion goes back to a certain Ancient Rome festival honoring and recognizing Lupercalia and Saturnalia, two deities, which occurred in mid-February. Christians who arrived in Rome included a festival into Lenten arrangements.

In present day, and for several years, New Orleans has been the home to Mardi Gras and the celebration that comes with it, whether that be through music, dancing in the street, or the Colorful King Cake, which has become a timeless tradition to those who celebrate it. From parades to Mardi Gras beads being tossed into the streets, every corner will be filled with people celebrating day and night.

There are many ways to be apart of this celebration! Here are some ideas:

• Take part in the festivals around the country
• Listen to jazz
• Experience the New Orleans Mardi Gras!

If you’ve never celebrated Mardi Gras, it would be a fun and new tradition to start with yourself or your family!

Attributions: National Day Calendar