Mardi Gras Traditions of the Deep South
Once Christmas has passed and the New Year has been rung in, most folks living in the Deep South have one more celebration to see them through the dreary winter. Mardi Gras has become a living breathing entity to a portion of the Gulf Coast and many traditions have sprung up around the holiday.
First celebrated in the United States in 1703, this holiday already had a long tradition with European Christians. What began as a single feast to commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday has turned into a two-week celebration that culminates on the Tuesday before.
Mardi gras means Fat Tuesday in French and it is traditionally the last day for Catholics to indulge before fasting begins for the 40 days of Lent. It is a time of extravagant fun for those leaving in areas fortunate enough to celebrate it.
Although originally celebrated by Mobilians here in the United States, the celebration quickly spread westward to the Crescent City, New Orleans, Louisiana. Now each year millions pour into both cities to enjoy the two-week long block parties that this celebration has become.
