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Today marks Fat Tuesday, a vibrant celebration observed primarily in the Deep South, characterized by parades, abundant beads, and a feast that lasts until midnight, marking the onset of Lent. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” refers to the Carnival celebrations that commence after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday.
The roots of Mardi Gras in the United States trace back to 1699, when French explorers landed at “Pointe du Mardi Gras,” near present-day New Orleans. The city of New Orleans was officially established in 1718. The earliest reference to Mardi Gras in the region dates back to a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. This era also witnessed the formation of the first clubs and carnival organisations in New Orleans, with the first documented Mardi Gras parade occurring in 1837.
In the contemporary context, New Orleans boasts several social organisations known as “krewes” that actively participate in Mardi Gras festivities during the Carnival season. These krewes, many of which evolved from clubs with exclusive membership policies, contribute to what locals fondly call the “Greatest Free Show on Earth.”
For Southern food establishments, Fat Tuesday stands out as one of the year’s busiest days. Many restaurants serve a delectable array of dishes, including boiled crawfish, barbecue shrimp, crawfish etouffee, and the iconic king cake.
“Laissez les bon temps rouler,” a Cajun French expression translating to “let the good times roll,” encapsulates the spirit of Mardi Gras. As the day unfolds with colourful parades, lively music, and indulgent cuisine, communities across the Deep South embrace the festive atmosphere, bidding farewell to indulgence before the solemn period of Lent begins.
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