Mardi Gras is a French phrase that translates literally to “Fat Tuesday.”  The name comes from the tradition of consuming rich, fatty foods before the fasting period of Lent. French explorers and settlers brought Mardi Gras to the United States in the early 1700’s. It was originally celebrated in cities like New Orleans and Mobile with elegant society balls. It was not until the 1800’s that parades or processions as they were called began in the streets of New Orleans.

When I think of Mardi Gras, I think of lavish parades and wild parties on Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday. I recently learned, though, that the Fat Tuesday festivities are only the culmination of two weeks of celebrations leading up to Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans, the celebration can begin as early as January 6^th, which is known as Twelfth Night, the start of the Carnival season.

Beyond the parades, beads, and celebrations, Mardi Gras carries deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. At its core, it’s about embracing joy, community, tradition, and the balance between indulgence and reflection. The entire celebration is about the lead-up to the season of Lent, which is a period of fasting and penance. 

As we approach the season of spring and rebirth, what can we learn from the Mardi Gras celebrations?

1. The Importance of Deep Celebration

• Mardi Gras doesn’t last for just one day. People engage in extravagant celebrations for 2 weeks. 
• We tend to celebrate our victories and successes for short periods. We spend far more time focusing on our failures and negative experiences. Our brains are just wired that way. But we can change the way we think. Mardi Gras is a good reminder to spend more time celebrating our wins.

2. Community & Celebration Bring People Together

• Relational connection and community are the best tools that we have for our mental health. 
• Mardi Gras reminds us to come together as a community and celebrate with each other.

3. Generosity & Sharing

• The tradition of throwing beads, doubloons, and trinkets from floats represents generosity.
• These simple acts of generosity remind us how easy it is to give of ourselves. We don’t need to make grand gestures to make a difference. Random acts of kindness or simple compliments to co-workers can help another person and make you feel better as well. 

4. Oneness

• Mardi Gras welcomes people of all backgrounds to join in the celebration.
• It reflects how different cultures—French, Spanish, African, and more—have blended over time.

5. Balance Between Indulgence & Moderation

• Mardi Gras is followed by Lent, a time of fasting and reflection.
• Fasting and other abstinence practices teach us lessons about self-discipline and gratitude for what we have.

Mardi Gras is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the joy of life. Rooted in history and embraced by diverse communities, it represents a balance between indulgence and reflection, bringing people together through parades, music, food, and generosity. Whether experienced in the streets of New Orleans or in a more personal way, Mardi Gras reminds us of the importance of community, generosity, and shared joy. As the season transitions into Lent, the celebration leaves us with a deeper appreciation for the moments of festivity that connect us to our past, our traditions, and each other.