About Mardi Gras

It's Mardi Gras time again. With New Orleans events already having begun, and reports of a larger-than-normal crowd ready to rock the Big Easy, Surge Desk decided it was time to get into Carnival mode.

Not versed in the world of Mardi Gras? Surge Desk has you covered on the history and meaning of the big event.

How did Mardi Gras start?
Traced back to its Pagan roots, Mardi Gras most likely sprang out of the pre-Christian celebration known as Lupercalia. As Christianity rose in ancient Rome, the early holiday was incorporated into the fledgling religion as a way to gain converts.

When is Mardi Gras?
While Mardi Gras celebrations can last from the period between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, the official day falls on the last Tuesday before the beginning of Lent. This year, Mardi Gras is next Tuesday.

How does one celebrate Mardi Gras?
The holiday is something of a binge-and-purge ritual. In anticipation of fasting that accompanies Lent, Mardi Gras adherents go all out on Fat Tuesday, eating, drinking and generally having as good a time as is humanly possible before giving up such pleasures.

Who celebrates Mardi Gras?
Catholics in countries across Europe, the Caribbean, South and Central America as well as in select North American cities revel in the Mardi Gras festivities, with each culture shaping the celebration in a unique way. Known as Carnival in several countries, parades, parties and all-around displays of excess can be found on the days leading up to Ash Wednesday.