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Fat Tuesday: The History of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a festival celebrated by Roman Catholic countries and communities around the world on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, a period of penance. Elaborate parades, spectacular masked balls, and revelers dancing in the streets, along with plenty of food and drink are the hallmarks of Mardi Gras, especially in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana is still host to the largest and arguably most elaborate Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. Over 1 million people flock to the Crescent City each year to enjoy the stunning floats and lavish celebrations for an entire week before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is often called “America's Greatest Party”!