What’s a Mardi Gras and who is that masked man?

To keep the winter doldrums at bay, even in ancient times there were celebrations. Mardi Gras, a colorful spectacle, actually goes back to an ancient Roman custom. Now we celebrate it the day before Lent begins, and it is the culminating event of a season that begins January 6th, or Twelfth Night. Mardi Gras means “fat Tuesday” in French and the French colonists brought the celebration to America in the early 1700’s. We associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, Louisiana, where the parades, balls and parties attract tourists from around the world. The wearing of masks, colorful costumes and beads are important aspects of the celebration. Mardi Gras is also celebrated in Germany where it is called Fastnacht, and in England where it is called Pancake Day.