What Is Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday, also called Mardi Gras, is the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the final day of Carnival, a festive season before the Christian fasting period of Lent.
Where Does Fat Tuesday Come From
The tradition has roots in medieval Europe, especially France, where people ate rich foods before Lenten restrictions. French colonists brought these customs to North America, and New Orleans became the most famous U.S. celebration site.
How Fat Tuesday Is Observed
Today, Fat Tuesday features parades, costumes, and public festivities in cities like New Orleans, Mobile, and Rio de Janeiro. Many people eat pancakes and other rich foods to use up butter and sugar before Lent.
For more background on the history and cultural spread of Fat Tuesday, see this overview on History.com.
