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Mardi Gras

Religious celebration observed annually on the the day before the beginning of Lent.[1]

Mardi Gras, French for "fat Tuesday," is traditionally considered a time of feasting in preparation for Lent's forty-day fasting which begins each year on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.[1]

The celebration has evolved into a festival in some parts of the world, including the wearing of masks and costumes, parades, balls, and indulgences of every kind, which is associated with the catholic tradition of confession before Lent.[1]

In the United States, cities and regions with a strong French heritage hold notable Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans being the most recognized. New Orleans considers the entire period between the Epiphany (January 6) and Ash Wednesday as the celebratory season of Mardi Gras, mostly concentrated in its last two weeks and culminating on the day of Mardi Gras itself. The Mardi Gras in New Orleans has been associated with three traditional colors based in Catholic lore: Purple (justice), gold (power) and Green (faith).[1]

Brasada Spur: In September of 1872, Bart Maverick invited Belle Morgan to accompany him to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.[4]