Happy Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday! The reason today is
called Fat Tuesday is because it’s the last night of eating rich, fatty foods. Today
in many cities across the world people are celebrating, dancing, drinking,
wearing masks, costumes and many throwing their inhibitions out the window at
least until midnight. At midnight, it all comes to an end, and the Lenten
season of prayer and fasting begins.
This day is celebrated in many countries, including,
Belgium, Brazi, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. So
why doesn’t every city in America celebrate Mardi Gras? The tradition is a
French Catholic tradition and was brought to the United States in the late 17th
century by Pierre Le Moyne de’Iberville. There is even a point called Point du
Mardi Gras where on March 3, 1699 they landed and claimed the land for the
French. Of course that point is closer to Mobile Alabama than New Orleans.
Later the capital was moved to New Orleans.
