Mardi Gras
/mär dee grah/ · mar·di·gras
proper noun
- The day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, when traditionally all fat and meat in the house were finished up, before Christians were banned from eating them during Lent, which commenced the following day on Ash Wednesday. The family celebrated Mardi Gras with a big feast before the start of Lent.
- The last day of a carnival, traditionally the celebration immediately before the start of Lent when joy would be out of place for Christians. The city's Mardi Gras parade was a vibrant display of color and music.
- A carnival. The Mardi Gras celebration in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest and most famous in the world.
Did you know? Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities around the world, but the most famous and largest celebration takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it has been a tradition since the 18th century.