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Mardi Gras is the annual, fun-filled celebration of New Orleans-fame that commemorates the final days before Lent.
The term Mardi Gras literally means "fat Tuesday," the day before Ash Wednesday. This long-standing European tradition (also known as "carnival") was brought to Louisiana by the French in the late 1600s.
By the 1850s, krewes (organizations) were formed to help preserve Mardi Gras through planning, management, and organization. The idea worked, and today these krewes continue to host a multitude of parades, balls, and other Mardi Gras events — keeping the tradition of spectacular floats, colorful throw beads, and tasty king cakes alive and well.
Recipes for a Mardi Gras mood
This carnival season, try your hand at some Louisiana favorites to get into the celebratory spirit. And what's for dessert? Mardi Gras king cake, of course.
Quick facts about Mardi Gras