mardi gras

By: Megan Bell Mardi Gras, aka “Fat Tuesday,” originated from Christianity in Europe and marked the day before Lent. Catholics used to celebrate Carnival about a week prior to Lent, consuming all the milk, cheese, eggs and meat in their homes. Fat Tuesday was the last day they could splurge before the abstinence began at midnight. Once Ash Wednesday hit, they would only eat fish and fast during th

As parades wind through the French Quarter and second lines form from Basin to Canal Street, it's as good a day as any to pay tribute to the arbiter of New Orleans music, the legendary Dr. John.

Stuck at home for Mardi Gras this year and want to make it more special than ordering Cajun shrimp pasta at Red Lobster? Try these tips:

Did you think Mardi Gras was strictly a New Orleans thing? Think again. In Belgium Mardi Gras is the most important day of the year. Belgians celebrate the Carnival of Binche in the city of Binche, which features lots of music and dancing. Sweden celebrates Fettisdagen, translating to "Fat Tuesday." In Canada Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the country, especially in the french-spea