Mardi Gras 2024
Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler!
This year, Mardi Gras Day--"Fat Tuesday"-- is February 13, 2024. Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Mardi Gras is both a Season and a Special Day!
The official start of Carnival Season is always January 6th--Twelfth Night.
The Special Day
The Season
Twelfth Night (aka, Twelfth Night, the Feast of the Epiphany, the Epiphany Eve and Three Kings' Day) is celebrated on January 6th. It is considered the last day of Christmas festivities around the world (when Christmas decorations come down). Shakespeare named one of his romantic comedies after this Christian holiday that takes place on the last day of the twelfth day of Christmas. Here in New Orleans, January 6th is the official start of the Carnival season every year with the first parades rolling on this day. It is also considered the beginning of King Cake Season. While the date of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) changes, Twelfth Night does not.
Say What?
Mardi Gras Parades
For this year's Mardi Gras parade schedule, check out: