Fat Tuesday
From Conservapedia
Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday, which begins the Christian season of Lent. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before Resurrection Sunday. Since the date of Resurrection Sunday varies from year to year, Fat Tuesday can occur on any Tuesday from February 3 to March 9.[1] Because the Catholic Church forbids the eating of meat and meat products every Friday during Lent, and because Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, it became common to make Fat Tuesday a day of feasting and celebration.
Mardi Gras is the French term for Fat Tuesday, and the holiday was brought to the United States by the French. The very first Mardi Gras celebration was believed to have been observed in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama.[2] However New Orleans, Louisiana is the city most associated with Mardi Gras. In New Orleans it is an official holiday, and has been an event for two centuries, except during the two World Wars.[1] Every year, residents and guests stage elaborate and boisterous parades and balls.
