Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Feb 16, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The term “Mardi Gras” which is the French word for “Fat Tuesday” marks the beginning of carnival celebrations which starts after the Epiphany and ends on the day before “Ash Wednesday,” according to most of the traditions. In ethnic English tradition, “Mardi Gras” is called “Shrove Tuesday.” This year on February 16, “Mardi Gras” day would be celebrated when people will eat rich and fatty food before the start of fasting of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday.

“Mardi Gras” is celebrated differently in different places. In some parts, “Mardi Gras” is celebrated for a long period of time. While for others it is a matter of celebration of a single day. In some of the cities of the United States, the occasion is referred as “Mardi Gras Day” or “Fat Wednesday.” In some traditions, “Mardi Gras” is the period between Epiphany or Twelfth Night and Ash Wednesday. While others consider the last 3 days before the “Ash Wednesday,” as the “Mardi Gras.”

To mark the celebration, people wear colorful masks and costumes. They parade on the streets. It is the time to party and time for having good food and drinks. In New Orleans, there is a tradition of wearing “Mardi Gras” beads and giving them to others. According to tradition, if a guy gifts some beads to a girl, she has to do something for him in return.

In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the week before “Ash Wednesday” is referred as “shrovetide”, which ends on Shrove Tuesday. Pancakes as well as fried breads or pastries are traditional food for the occasion. Some churches even host pancake supper during the festival.