Mardi Gras 2018: When is Mardi Gras? When is New Orleans carnival?

Madris Gras translates as “Fat Tuesday” and is a day known almost as much for eating as it is for its vibrant carnivals.

When is Mardi Gras 2018?

Mardi Gras 2018 takes place on Tuesday February 13.

The date marks 47 days until Easter.

Each year Mardi Gras takes place before the start of Lent and it is date is different each year due to the timing of Easter.

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” because it marks the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for Lent.

Mardi Gras also refers to carnivals that take place from Epiphany (Three Kings Day), which celebrates the revelation of God as incarnate Jesus Christ.

The date is January 6 in the Gregorian calendar, January 19 in the Gregorian equivalent of Julian the calendar, or the Second Monday of January in the Colombia calendar.

Most people only celebrate Mardi Gras on the day before Lent – which stars on Ash Wednesday and is always 46 days before Easter.

Lent 2018: When is Lent? What date is 1st day of Lent this year? 

When is the New Orleans carnival?

This year Mardi Gras in New Orleans falls on Tuesday, February 13.

The carnival attracts hundreds of tourists each year, with Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, Rex being some of the most popular parades.

Mardi Gras is the last day of the festival, with carnivals also taking places over the weekend before.

Several parades make their way through the French Quarter where participants wear special costumes and masks.

Zulu and Rex will begin at 8am and 10am in Uptown New Orleans respectively, with Argus and Lyra also taking place at 10am in Metairie and Covington.

Organisers said: “Be sure to pack clothing that is comfortable and can be layered, as the weather is often warm during the day and then cool for the night parades, depending on the time of year.

“And don’t be shy—wear a costume, especially on Mardi Gras day. It’s all about fun!”

Is Mardi Gras the same day as Shrove Tuesday?

Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday are the same day, but are named differently depending on what country you are in.

Different countries mark the occasion in different ways – including eating pancakes in the UK.

What is Shrove Tuesday? Why do we eat pancakes?

How is Mardi Gras celebrated?

Countries including India and the USA mark Mardi Gras with a carnival, while the UK typically marks the occasion with making and eating pancakes.

One of the most famous events is the Brazilian Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, when roughly two million hit the streets to watch.