In early February, the streets of New Orleans will hold unbridled American holiday Mardi Gras Carnival. (Mardi Gras «Fat Tuesday») is a bit like Russian Shrovetide. When is Mardi Gras in 2020? These festivities are held before Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent for Catholics. The main events usually occur on Mardi Gras Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
French Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday English or Russian Fat Tuesday is the different names of the same traditional French festival, which is now celebrated in a big way in many countries, including the United States and Australia.
Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras or how Americans pronounce) it is nothing like one of the Catholic holidays. When is Mardi Gras day 2020? It is held 40 days before the Catholic Easter, and since the date of its changes and the date of Mardi Gras varies too. The meaning of the holiday is a bit like Russian Shrovetide that precedes Lent. On this day, you need to have a particularly fat and, so to speak, rich food, then to start the Lent with a clear conscience. However, the comparison may seem not very correct, if only because that Mardi Gras has Catholic roots, and Carnival still pagan.
What kind of holiday is Mardi Gras
Generally, Mardi Gras, it’s not even a specific day, but a whole series of events, which, depending on the country and even the city can not stretch a week or even more. The most widespread holiday was in a small American town, which is located in the once French territories New Orleans. There is a carnival, which lasts two weeks, with regular concerts, performances, and other activities.
Here unfolds a grand costume parade, led by the King and Queen of Carnival. Parade participants are seated on giant mobile platforms. They are thrown into a crowd of a variety of trinkets, plastic beads and sweets like the signs of attention. In the fight for valuable «trophies», there are some spectators resorted to trick corporate Mardi Gras a demonstration of naked breasts. The number of seats on the way carnival procession following limited. To be in the forefront, you need to arrive at the place before a few hours. New Orleans the cradle of classical jazz, and during the festival its sounds are heard everywhere. Brass bands marching through the streets, playing in the squares and terraces of houses. Carnival Mardi Gras lasts all night. The fun ends with the first stroke of the church bell, announcing the starting of Lent. When is Mardi Gras in 2020, schedule day – Tuesday, February 25.
How it came to the US
In the US, this day was established by the French invaders, who came to the Mississippi River mouth in the place of its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico and founded a colony under the name of Louisiana. By the way, in those days, in addition to directly Louisiana to the French territory also included the modern states of Alabama, Mississippi and part of Florida. Today, in these states, the rich European Catholic traditions, and place the main festivities dedicated to Mardi Gras.
Main traditions
There are three main traditions associated with the holiday.
- First, eat, drink, be cheerful, and don’t deny anything. It must be remembered that the coming 40 days Lent is hard, so you need to prepare well for it.
- Secondly, it is necessary to wear a special necklace. There are three primary colors, which are painted in festive beads green, purple and gold. The main thing to remember the more you will wear it at home, the better. Moreover, they will still come in handy for the third tradition.
- Third, do not know where it went, but traditionally in exchange for beads, girls must demonstrate to all people their breasts. Of course, no one is obliged to do it, but closer to the night, when blood degree of alcohol greatly increases all sharply remembered about this tradition and start a real celebration and fun. Hope, these short explanations giving some understanding what day Mardi Gras in 2020.
In addition to New Orleans, major festivals are held in Alabama, also in San Diego, California. It is not clear for what reason, but there is a real holiday, during which overlap and enclose a central part of the city, put a tent with alcohol and food, set the stage with DJs and other performers. Entrance to the event is paid, but the good mood is guaranteed.
In Sydney, the annual parade that took shape not only unbridled fun but also a kind of struggle for the rights of Australian (and not only) sexual minorities. February Annual Parade of gay and lesbian pride (Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras) one of the biggest in the world. And, it has almost no relationship with any Lent, or even directly by Tuesday. Because traditionally it lasts for several weeks.
The parade, which is based on the dancers in exotic costumes, is always at the forefront of political life, wittily commenting or even parodying political leaders and their opponents. Despite all the contradictions and an exotic parade of Mardi Gras is the part of the Australian culture. And a good source of income, generating an annual budget of the country millions of dollars — thanks to an inflow of tourists and regular citizens. Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney pet visits famous guests annually. Festivities include theater, comedy, and music shows, theatrical performances. Also, many literary and artistic events held as part of the celebration, forums, and conferences. On the last day of the parade, Sydney shakes the biggest dance party in the country.
Conclusion and advice
If you want to really feel the spirit of the French Catholic holiday, learn what is the date of Mardi Gras 2020. Come and try the real Louisiana food and listen to the world’s best jazz — Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Please note only that in festival days tickets there will not be very expensive, but the day after Fat Tuesday, all those thousands of tourists will go back and buy an affordable ticket will be very, very difficult. So plan your trip and buy tickets in advance.