Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French, is a festive and lively celebration that takes place in many cultures around the world. The traditions associated with Mardi Gras vary, but the celebration is often linked to religious and cultural practices.
Mardi Gras, the culmination of the Carnival season, is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, and reflection leading up to Easter. This festive occasion is closely tied to the Christian liturgical calendar and serves as a final celebration before the somber period of Lent begins.
Feasting and Indulgence:
"Fat Tuesday" refers to the practice of indulging in rich, fatty foods before the fasting period of Lent. Traditionally, people would use up their rich food supplies in preparation for the fasting and abstinence associated with Lent.
Festive Traditions
Celebrating Mardi Gras, involves lively and festive traditions, especially in places like New Orleans. Here are some popular ways people celebrate Mardi Gras: In New Orleans they have parades and masked balls, big parties, and live music galore. It’s quite a scene and spectacle if you have a fever for adventure. Mardi Gras is a time of community and sharing. You can do this anywhere: Invite friends and family to join in the celebration, whether at home, in the Big Easy, or in a public space.
And, no matter where you celebrate, remember to embrace the lively and inclusive spirit of Mardi Gras, and have fun participating in the festivities! Closer to home, here in Boston....grab your beads and head to.....
And, no matter where you celebrate, remember to embrace the lively and inclusive spirit of Mardi Gras, and have fun participating in the festivities! Closer to home, here in Boston....grab your beads and head to.....
Mardi Gras Parade At Faneuil Hall
Tuesday, February 25, 12-2 pm
Head to Faneuil Hill Marketplace for live music and a parade New Orleans style! Restaurants around the Hall will be offering Mardi Gras themed food and drink specials to those who bring in beads (distributed outdoors as the band plays).
Other Local Mardi Gras Events
In Medford Mass check out the FREE MARDI GRAS event on February 10th at 2 p.m.
Fat Tuesday At Sweet Cheeks – Boylston Street, Boston:
Tuesday, February 25, at 5 p.m.
Sweet Cheeks is bringing the Big Easy to Beantown with a $45 Fat Tuesday crawfish boil, featuring crawfish, Gulf shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob, gumbo, king cake, and more.
DIY King Cake
The King Cake is a traditional dessert associated with Mardi Gras, particularly in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, especially in New Orleans. The cake is named after the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus, and it is typically associated with the Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night or Three Kings' Day. King Cakes often include:
Circular Shape: often oval or ring-shaped to symbolize the unity of faith.
Decoration: The cake is decorated in Mardi Gras colors, which are purple, green, and gold. These colors are associated with royalty, justice, and power.
Hidden Trinket: A small, plastic baby (representing baby Jesus) or a different trinket is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds the trinket in their slice is said to have good luck and is often designated as the "king" or "queen" for the day.
Cinnamon or Flavored Fillings: The cake itself is often a sweet, cinnamon-flavored dough. Some variations include additional fillings such as cream cheese, praline, or fruit fillings.
Icing and Colored Sugar: The cake is topped with icing and colored sugar in Mardi Gras colors.
King Cakes are a central part of Mardi Gras celebrations and are enjoyed at gatherings, parties, and throughout the Mardi Gras season. They are often available in bakeries and supermarkets in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. If you have never had one before, give it a try. Who doesn’t like cake?!!! AND.....
Devon Loves Pancakes!
Pancake Tuesday" refers to Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday has its roots in the need to use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent begins. In many cultures, people would make pancakes on this day to consume these perishable items. Devon has many fond memories of Pancake Tuesday and breakfast-for-dinner growing up!
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Shrove Tuesday is commonly referred to as "Pancake Day" or "Pancake Tuesday." On this day, it's a tradition to make and eat pancakes, and many people enjoy various pancake-related events and activities.
The toppings for pancakes can vary, but classic choices include sugar and lemon juice, maple syrup, or fruit. In some places, there are even pancake races and other festive events to mark the occasion.
New Orleans has a special place in Dev’s heart, as her mother’s family lives in the famous French Quarter! Louisiana (and especially New Orleans) is filled with vibrant culture, soulful music, and absolutely incredible food. Maybe you’ll want to stay forever! And if you do… Devon knows the best and most trusted real estate agents in Louisiana. Connect with us and move your heart and soul to New Orleans!