Mardi Gras in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana is a unique American city with an interesting and sometimes legendary history. It has also had a prominent place in the nation’s heart and is a major destination for many of the country’s residents. The city has a strong reputation for its music scene and clubs and is famous for its annual celebration Mardi Gras. Attending a season of Mardi Gras has almost become a ritualized point of passage for many people and communities and there is even a Mardi Gras culture that surrounds the New Orleans celebration. Some people feel an definite need to experience the wonders of Mardi Gras once in their life, while others return every year and even incorporate it into their lifestyle.
While the participants eagerly celebrate it with an a reckless abandon, not all of them understand its overall historic and cultural significance. Nor is this necessary for fully enjoying oneself and others or the numerous activities and parades associated with it. However, the history and cultural significance of this major event is definitely interesting to many of the guests who flock to the city and stay in one of the luxury hotels New Orleans.
The name itself comes from the French phrase that is literally translated as Fat Tuesday. This is actually in reference to widely celebrated holiday commonly known as Shrove Tuesday. It is part of the seasonal Carnival celebrations that occur before and officially end on Ash Wednesday. Carnival itself usually extends longer, or rather starts earlier and represents a time of indulgence and social structure freedom and is celebrated by large amounts of revelry and food and alcohol consumption. This is recognized as an important lead up to the impending fast associated with Lent. Carnival has been celebrated for centuries throughout many parts of Europe and other countries in the world.
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