What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is traditionally the time for carnival and pancakes. It marks the eve of the entry into Lent. Shedding light on this festive day.

What is the origin of Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a celebration of Christian origin. It is the last day of a festive period, where we used to eat “fat”, to empty the reserves before Ash Wednesday, which marks the entry into Lent.

Where does the carnival tradition come from?

Already, in Roman times, the arrival of spring was celebrated with the Calends of March. It was an opportunity to disguise yourself, to transgress the taboos. The word carnival comes from the Latin “carne vale”, which means “farewell to the flesh”. That is to say, before entering Lent, a time of fasting and abstinence, one had to take advantage of it to feast, dress up, dance, indulge, sometimes to excess.

What about pancakes?

On Shrove Tuesday, it is also traditional to make pancakes. Quite simply because it was necessary to consume eggs, butter, in short, the “fat” which would not be consumed during Lent.

What happens after?

The next day is the start of Lent, with Ash Wednesday. Forty days of penance (not counting Sundays), until Easter. A period of austerity to prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.