Southern Byways

Let’s Celebrate: Twelfth Night - the Beginning of Mardi Gras Season

by Apryl on January 6th, 2008

And just when you are getting over the holidays, it’s time to get ready for another celebration. This one involves King Cakes, masks, beads (a lot of them), balls and parades. Yep, it’s Mardi Gras time in the South. The beginning of this celebration starts on January 6, or Twelfth Night (12 days after Christmas).

Everyone has heard  something (good or bad) about Mardi Gras celebrations, especially in New Orleans. A few of you out there have even braved the crowds to experience it (and if you remember it any, what an experience it was, right?). No other celebration in the South can quite compare to Mardi Gras.

Amidst all of the fun and revelry, there is a reason behind this, and no, it has nothing to do with elaborate costumes or floats. Mardi Gras is actually a somewhat religious celebration (believe it or not). Long story short - you indulge (food, spirits, etc) as much as you can on Fat Tuesday before you have to give it all up on Ash Wednesday and Lent. Mardi Gras is always celebrated 46 days before Easter.

So gather all your green, gold and purple decorations, and get ready to yell, “throw me something, mister!” - Mardi Gras season has official started. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roule! (Let the Good Times Roll!)

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POSTED IN: Culture, Fat Tuesday, Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Southern Byways, Things to See in Louisiana, celebration