The terms "Mardi Gras" ( / ˈmɑrdiɡrɑː / ), "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season"in English, refer to events of the Carnivalcelebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday ), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday . Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitentialseason of Lent. Popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins.In many areas, the term "Mardi Gras" has come to mean the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. In some US cities, it is now called "Mardi Gras Day" or "Fat Tuesday".

While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of traditionally ethnic French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition.

In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans , founded in 1718.[13] The tradition has expanded to the point that it became strongly associated with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan, Laissez les bons temps rouler , (Let the good times roll) and the nickname "Big Easy ".[12] Mobile, Alabama, the former capital of New France, also has a long tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras.

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