Mardi Gras
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of celebration before Lent begins. From New Orleans parades to king cake, celebrate with purple, green, and gold!
About Mardi Gras
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of celebration before Lent begins. From New Orleans parades to king cake, celebrate with purple, green, and gold!
History & origins
Mardi Gras is listed in this site's 2026 calendar for March 4. Informal "national days" are often promoted by communities, trade groups, and brands; origins and official proclamations vary by country and year. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of celebration before Lent begins. Because many such observances are cultural or promotional rather than statutory, treat dates as a planning guide and confirm local events separately.
Why it matters
Observing Mardi Gras gives people a shared anchor to explore holiday themes—mardi-gras, fat-tuesday, March, celebration, new-orleans—and to coordinate learning, gatherings, or giving around that focus. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of celebration before Lent begins. From New Orleans parades to king cake, celebrate with purple, green, and gold!
How to celebrate
Attend Mardi Gras parades. Eat king cake. Wear purple, green, and gold. Listen to New Orleans music. Learn Mardi Gras history. Enjoy festive celebrations.
Facts
- Mardi Gras means 'Fat Tuesday' in French
- New Orleans hosts the biggest celebration
- Purple represents justice, green faith, and gold power
- King cakes contain a hidden baby figurine
- Mardi Gras dates change based on Easter
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Thursday, March 4, 2027
- Saturday, March 4, 2028
- Sunday, March 4, 2029
- Monday, March 4, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Mardi Gras in 2026?
This edition lists Mardi Gras on 2026-03-04 (March 4). Many recurring observances keep the same month and day each year.
What is Mardi Gras?
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of celebration before Lent begins. From New Orleans parades to king cake, celebrate with purple, green, and gold!
How do people celebrate Mardi Gras?
Attend Mardi Gras parades. Eat king cake. Wear purple, green, and gold. Listen to New Orleans music. Learn Mardi Gras history. Enjoy festive celebrations.
Is Mardi Gras a federal holiday?
Mardi Gras may coincide with civic or religious calendars in some regions; it is not necessarily a paid day off for all workers—check local listings.
What topics relate to Mardi Gras?
Common themes include: mardi-gras, fat-tuesday, March, celebration, new-orleans. Use tags and related pages on this site to explore similar celebrations.
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