The origin of Mardi gras  

Mardi Gras is a direct translation of Fat Tuesday. This carnival’s roots can be traced back to pagan festivities– to Medieval Europe through Rome, Venice, and France. In modern times, this rich festival is celebrated in various countries.

 Mardi Gras began in France as a Catholic celebration of the feast before Lent, the season of fasting leading to Easter. It was celebrated by eating different rich-fat foods: meats, milk, cheese, Lard, etc. The season of Mardi Gras begins on January 6, marking the end of the Christmas season. The celebration would end on Fat Tuesday, the most celebrated day of the carnival- Mardi Gras.

The first record of Mardi Gras in the United States was in March 1699; when a French-Canadian explorer landed near present-day New Orleans to celebrate, he called the plot of land ‘Pointe du Mardi Gras.’ In the years that followed, the tradition evolved: Mardi Gras societies and organizations were founded. And in the 1740s, Mardi Gras was mainly celebrated with an elegant ball. By the 1800s, the streets of New Orleans became a sensation of vibrant color schemes. The city was filled with parades, costumes, floats, live music, etc.

Diverse groups of people and societies brought life to Mardi Gras and enhanced the tradition. Krewes are social organizations that host parades and balls for Mardi Gras and have been around since the mid-1800s. The earliest record was in 1857 when a secret society called Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession that inspired the modern celebration. Today there are over 20 krewes that participate in Mardi Gras; each was created in different years and brings its traditions to the carnival season.

Mardi Gras is a cultural sensation that involves many traditional foods, items: masks, and colors. During the parade, many floats throw trinkets, beads, and even coconuts. Mardi Gras is represented by the colors purple, green, and gold. Green represents faith, gold represents power, and purple represents justice. King cake, beignets, jambalaya, gumbo, etc: are all examples of traditional foods eaten during the season of Mardi Gras, which can vary on location.

“I think people celebrate Mardi Gras to have fun and be themselves”, DBHD Sophomore Marthe Eldine said.

This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on the 4^th of March, and many places will host parades and parties and take part in the tradition. It’s celebrated in Brazil, Spain, the United States, Italy, Haiti, etc. Each celebration has its twist; however, the overall traditions are alike.

Written by Widelandine Emilcar  | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar 

Published February 24, 2025 | ePathfinder | Feature