FEBRUARY 27

On this date 1827, New Orleans celebrated it's very first Mardi Gras event.  Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday."   This year, Mardi Gras falls on the 28th - tomorrow.

Mardi Gras is celebrated because it is the day before Lent begins.  This Wednesday is the beginning of Lent - we call it Ash Wednesday.  Lent is a time of repentance leading up to the Crucifixion, death and then Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.  During this time of repentance, fasting is called for. Thus, the splurge to eat as much as possible on Tuesday before it all begins.  Not really a healthy activity.

And so, 190 years ago today, the French, who settled in Louisiana, taught us to party like there is no tomorrow.  In recent years, the party goes on for days leading up to Mardi Gras.  It is an almost week long celebration of parades, drinking, eating and debauchery.

It's always been on my bucket list to attend - maybe next year.
😈