Happy Fat Tuesday! 4 Mar 2025

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.

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Today in History

The road less taken?
4 Mar 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
4 Mar 2026Purple crocus flowers, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

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13 Apr 2024Grand National
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18 Oct 2025International Archaeology Day
6 Aug 2024Molokini crater, Maui, Hawaii, USA
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16 May 2024International Day of Light
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10 Apr 2026Black grouse males, Estonia
3 Jul 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
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22 Nov 2025Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
27 Sep 2025Clark Range, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
26 Sep 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
11 May 2025Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
23 Aug 2026Brown bear, Katmai National Park, Alaska, United States
30 Oct 2025Pushkar Camel Fair
Lighting the world
7 Jan 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand
An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
2 Nov 2023Death Valley National Park, California, USA
27 Apr 2026The glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
31 Aug 2024Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria