MardiMardi Gras Gras

Et Carnaval

What does Mardi Gras mean?

Mardi Tuesday

Gras FatSo the meaning is « Fat Tuesday » ! Indeed, Mardi Gras is the French for «  Shrove Tuesday » . It has the same meaning, and the same religious origins. It’s always on the Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent ( Carême in French ). So Christians were not supposed to eat any meat and eggs during the 40 days of Lent, ending on Easter. That’s why on Shrove Tuesday, we eat a lot of really good ( and fat ! ) food like crêpes, cakes, pancakes … because we need to be good during Lent.

And what about « Carnaval »?

• « Carnaval » comes from the Italian word « carne vale » meaning ‘goodbye to the flesh’, so this is related to Mardi Gras.

• That’s why we celebrate both on the same day in France. We dress up in costumes, put make up on, and eat lots of nice food.

Crêpes

Gaufres

Merveilles Bonbons

Carnaval de Nice