Today, many people celebrate Mardi Gras. Carnivals begin as early as January 6, and last until the day after Mardi Gras when Lent begins. The last day of these carnivals is traditionally called Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday in England. Fun, right?

New Orleans in the USA is famous for its Mardi Gras. Parades like the one in this picture, wild costumes, masks and beads are all a part of the huge partay atmosphere in this fabulous the city. Other famous carnival cities are Limoux and Nice in France, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Quebec City in Canada and Sydney in Australia.

Mardi Gras (also Fat Tuesday) is the last day before the season of Lent. Lent is a Christian season with 40 days of fasting and doing good deeds before Easter. So, Fat Tuesday started as a day that families would enjoy all of the yummy foods in their cupboards so that they would be ready for the “fasting” 40 days of Lent.

Do you celebrate Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday)?