Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, which translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French, is a celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The name comes from the custom of eating rich foods before the fasting and abstinence of Lent.  Mardi Gras originated in Rome as a pagan spring and fertility celebration, and was first observed in Medieval Europe. It arrived in North America in 1699 when French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville named his campsite Point du Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a time for parades, parties, and community celebrations. Some traditions include: 

King cake: A tradition that began at the Twelfth Night ball, where the person who found the bean in the cake hosted the next ball

Bead-tossing: Floats throw objects, called "throws", to parade-goers 

Masquerade balls: A tradition in Venice, Italy, where people wear elaborate masks inspired by plague doctors, historical figures, and theatrical characters 

New Orleans

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is known for its parades, krewes, and balls. Some traditions include: 

The King of Carnival, Rex, who presides over the first daytime parade 

The official colors of purple, green, and gold, which represent justice, power, and faith, respectively 

The anthem "If Ever I Cease to Love" 

Krewes such as Zulu, Rex, Chewbacchus, Armeinius, and Amon-Ra