Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs, and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Today in History
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Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
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It s National Hispanic Heritage Month
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
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World Nature Conservation Day
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Muskoxen in Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway
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Sailing across the ice
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Looking back on 150 years of rail travel
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Winter solstice
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Manatee Appreciation Day
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National Trails Day
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Redwood National and State Parks, California
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A long, erratic commute
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Seattle Central Library, Seattle, Washington
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Ölüdeniz, Turkey
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The artists come to Venice
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The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece
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Happy Easter!
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Virgin Islands National Park established
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument anniversary
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Mount Rainier National Park
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A Carpathian Christmas celebration
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Celebrate Mandela Day
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A cliff-hanging complex of temples
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Take the stairs
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‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
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Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
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Let s celebrate cephalopods
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A night on the (ghost) town
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Space-age style by the sea
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Working for that cliffside view