Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. Related popular practices are associated with Shrovetide celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent.
Surprisingly, Mardi Gras originated in Alabama.
Mardi Gras is the annual Carnival celebration in Mobile, Alabama. It is the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the United States, started by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois in 1703 when Mobile was the capital of Louisiana.
Fat Tuesday marks the final day of feasting before the Lent season begins on Ash Wednesday, which starts 46 days before Easter.
This year, Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans take place from Monday, January 6, through Tuesday, February 25, 2020.