Happy Mardi Gras!

Get your beads out – today is Mardis Gras! Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. It’s also called Shrove Tuesday, Carnival Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday, depending on where the celebration is taking place.

No matter the name, it’s a day of celebration that includes over-the-top parades, parties and food indulgence before the Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (tomorrow). Mardi Gras is synonymous with Carnival celebrations in New Orleans, Venice and Rio, but the day is celebrated around the world.

What was once a holiday of religious observances has become a cultural phenomenon, leading to parties for the sake of partying, and not necessarily in anticipation of 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras has a rich Mardi Gras history and culture. The colors of purple (justice) gold, (power) and green (faith) have come to symbolize New Orleans’ Mardi Gras.

Today, celebrate by indulging in decadent food and turn up the music to party! Happy Mardi Gras from Private Home Health Care!