The most exciting Tuesday of the year was recently upon us. On March 5th 2019, people across the globe partied to celebrate Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that is observed the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a holy day for Christians, as it is the first day of Lent. It marks the first day of a six week period, leading up to Easter, where many choose to abstain from some sort of indulgence that they enjoy; others fast to observe the holiday. Getting through these six weeks takes patience and commitment, so Mardi Gras–French for Fat Tuesday–became a day when extravagance and indulgence is welcomed.
A common misconception is that Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. While this is where the first American celebration took place around 1699, Mardi Gras actually originated in medieval Europe sometime in the 17th century. French settlers brought it to the states, and the New Orleans way of celebrating has become famous. Nowadays, Mardi Gras has little to do with religion; it has become somewhat of an excuse to drink and party, and less and less about upholding Christian tradition.
The way in which Mardi Gras is celebrated differs from region to region. As mentioned earlier, many associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans. However, some of the biggest celebrations take place far away from Louisiana; in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for instance, the celebration is known as Carnaval, and is one of the biggest festivals in the world.
Every year, approximately two million people, both Brazilian and international partiers, take to the streets of Rio on the days leading up to Lent and have fun. There is a parade with floats full of dancers and performers, in addition to many Carnaval outfits that feature sequins and feathers. Italians celebrate a different way; the festival leading up to Ash Wednesday lasts 10 days. It is known as the Carnevale de Venezia and takes place in Venice. The festival is famous for its elaborate masks, and attracts around 3 million visitors per year. Other such celebrations take place in Greece, Germany, Spain, Bolivia, and beyond.
France’s celebration is quite unique. The first Mardi Gras is often traced back to France, although this has not been confirmed. Regardless, the French played an important role in shaping the holiday and its traditions, as the name itself is French. The largest merriments take place in Paris and Nice. The festivities are largely centered around food, and many feasts take place across the nation in preparation for the fasting of lent. Similarly to the rest of the world, there are parades and all sorts of parties as well.
Mardi Gras is not very widely celebrated in Montgomery County. There were several parties in Washington, DC the week leading up to Mardi Gras and even after it, but those participating in Lent here seem less attracted to such events than those in New Orleans.
At Quince Orchard High School, the French Honor Society held its own Mardi Gras celebration. Students brought different desserts and food and listened to French music to observe the holiday. They also decorated masks with feathers, glitter, and more, as masks are a significant Mardi Gras tradition. Masks were initially worn by carnival goers to allow them to enjoy the festivities without being judged for who they are; all classes, all types of people could party together. Today, colorful masks and over-the-top outfits can still be seen on Mardi Gras.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Ayesha Shahzad of Quince Orchard High School