Fat Tuesday

Yes, today is “Fat Tuesday” or what is more commonly called “Mardi Gras”.  There is celebrating going on throughout a lot of the Christian world with lots of music, parades, and partying.

It’s carnival, it’s party gras, it’s the day before Lent begins and in many cities across the Christian globe, it’s time to eat lots of fat, rich foods and dance the night away as the next day begins the Lenten season when a lot of Christians fast or give up something they feel is not that good for them.

Here in the US, New Orleans is very famous for its celebrations.  Mardi Gras made its debut there in the late 1600’s when King Louis XIV of France sent two brothers, the LeMoyne brothers, to defend France’s claim on the territory of Louisiane, which included what are now the US states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  They arrived in a place about 60 miles from New Orleans and set up camp.  This was on March 3, 1699 which happened to be Mardi Gras that year.  In honor of this holiday, they named the spot Point du Mardi Gras.   So now, all these years later, people from all over come to New Orleans to join in the fun of Mardi Gras.   Certainly, when one thinks of that city, one thinks of Mardi Gras……but, as I mentioned, the amazing celebrations of Mardi Gras are not limited to New Orleans.

Other cities that tend to have unforgettable Mardi Gras celebrations are Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Barranquilla, Colombia; Port of Spain, Trinidad; Quebec City, Canada;  and Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Each country brings its specific flare to the celebrations and parades.  I can remember when I was a child living in Trinidad, my parents would go off to Carnival celebrations.  One could hear the steel drums’ melodic tunes wafting down from the hills and through the towns.  My parents always talked about their Carnival experiences with great joy – memories of “jumping up”, dancing, in the streets and generally having a wonderful time.

The start of the celebrations begin on January 6, to a greater or lesser degree, and culminate tonight with BIG celebrations!

Joy, yes, lots of joy and abundant living!