What Is Mardi Gras? History and Where To Celebrate Fat Tuesday 2023

Woman enjoying Mardi Gras festival dressed in traditional costume for New Orleans parade

Mardi Gras 2023 is almost here and that means it’s time for costumes, beads, and a lot of celebration! Just what is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday and where does it come from? Well, we’re here to give you some Mardi Gras history and some great ideas of where to celebrate Fat Tuesday, on February 21st, 2023. Discover this wonderful celebration and perfect glamping sites to head to if you want to be close to the action and have a truly unforgettable experience this year for Fat Tuesday.

Your overview of Mardi Gras history and just what Mardi Gras means in English?

So what is “Fat Tuesday”? Fat Tuesday is French for Mardi Gras and culminates with a large celebration on Shrove Tuesday. In the US Mardi Gras dates back to 1703 when the tradition was brought to what is now Mobile, Alabama. The French explorers sent by Louis XIV to defend the then territory of Louisiana in the New World brought the tradition with them. They held the first organized celebration in Louisiana, starting a tradition that stems from the Christian feasts of the Epiphany otherwise known as Three Kings Day. 

When the capital of the territory moved to Biloxi and, later to New Orleans, the traditions spread and stuck. While today Fat Tuesday is celebrated primarily in Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and parts of Texas, the spirit of the holiday has spread all over the U.S. 

Why do we celebrate Fat Tuesday?

So what does Mardi Gras mean in English? The French-English Mardi Gras translation ‘Fat Tuesday’ makes reference to the traditional practice of eating fatty foods before a period of fasting for Lent.

Mardi Gras Costume
Mardi Gras Costume

When is Mardi Gras 2023 and more on Mardi Gras meaning

This year Madri Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21st.  It is the culmination of the Epiphany celebration, which starts 12 days after Christmas honoring the Magi. It occurs the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

In the Christian tradition, Lent is a religious period in preparation for Good Friday and the subsequent Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras 2023 is the last day to celebrate it with food, drink, music, and dancing before the fasting of Lent begins.

When is Fat Tuesday, 2023?

So when is Fat Tuesday? This year it will be February 21st.

Local groups, known as Mystic Societies or Krewes, organize unique parades, masked balls, and parties. With good food, dancing, costumes, and beads, this celebration is a must-see. In recent years, more Mardi Gras celebrations are discouraging single-use plastic and glitter (a harmful micro-plastic for marine life) in an effort to become more environmentally conscious.

man celebrating fat tuesday parade

Where to celebrate Fat Tuesday 2023

To celebrate Fat Tuesday 2023, head to Mobile, Alabama, or New Orleans, Louisiana! Glamping New Orleans or a stay in luxury cabins in Mobile, Alabama is the perfect getaway! Check out these luxury glamping sites; close enough to the celebrations and secluded enough to feel that you are surrounded by nature. 

Discover the celebrations from your glamping rental in Mobile, Alabama

Rentals in Mobile, AL are tucked away in beautiful nature. You’ll find privacy, access to gorgeous beaches, a nature preserve, and great trails for hiking and biking. After heading into Mobile for the Mardi Gras parade on Tuesday, enjoy glamping in Alabama for a few more days on the gulf for a well-rounded vacation. What is Mardi Gras like in Alabama? Tell us after you discover even more cozy cabins in Mobile, Alabama.

Mardi Gras Parade, Alabama
Mardi Gras Parade, Alabama

Celebrate Madri Gras 2023 with the very best cabin rentals in Louisiana for the New Orleans parade

Make Madri Gras an experience you won’t forget when you book a unique luxury fishing cabin in Louisiana. Louisiana boasts incredible wildlife, marshes, ponds, and forests. You’ll find great cabins for family or large getaways with friends and cozy cabins for a fun Madri Gras adventure. Louisiana cabin rentals are close enough to the action for you to enjoy the celebrations during your winter getaway.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans Parade
Mardi Gras, New Orleans Parade

If you love festivals, you’re sure to love the Holi Festival coming up in March. Travel across the USA with these amazing food festivals – perfect for every foodie! Plan your summer solstice celebrations around the globe or try the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October for a fun start to fall!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

close

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)