Mardi Gras celebrated in full force at Fat Tuesday
Jessica Smith
at Tuesday bar in Tempe was the place to be for Mardi Gras this year. The Edge 103.9 was there with a DJ mixing it up for all the bead-clad partiers on the dance floor. The busy bartenders kept the tasty daiquiris coming and well those Miller girls with their painted on shirts were a definite perk for many.
People said they chose that location to celebrate because, “Word on the street was that Fat Tuesday was the place to be.”
Another fellow celebrant said he came to this party over all the others because, “Well it’s called Fat Tuesday, it’s a Mardi Gras bar. It’s built around Mardi Gras-where else would I go?”
Others just came out for the experience, “Because I’m Joe Bangz, and I like to experience new thangz,” said one Mr. Bangz of why he was there for the holiday.
Another name for Fat Tuesday is Pancake Tuesday because traditionally Christians would start fasting on Ash Wednesday, and Pancakes were an excellent way to use up all of the excess eggs, butter, and milk before lent.
Mardi Gras was first celebrated in the United States in 1699 when a French explorer named Iberville landed 60 miles south of New Orleans, declaring the point Ponte du Mardi Gras in honor of the celebration that was taking place in his home country.
The direct translation of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, which is relates to the fat calves they used to slaughter for feasts before Ash Wednesday in Catholic tradition.
Fat Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter and marks the end of Carnival festivities which begin on twelfth night, or Jan. 6.
The parties and events of Carnival culminate with parades and performances during the last week leading up to Fat Tuesday.
New Orleans is perhaps the most famous place for these celebrations, and here during this final week the party is non-stop.
Each float has a jazz band and someone throwing beads, toys, candy, and little coins called dubloons, which have now become collector items.
A King and Queen are also elected and play a prestigious role in Carnival events.
The colors of Mardi Gras are purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power, and can be seen in the costumes, coins and beads of the celebration.
