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The city of New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras Feb. 13, 2018, with a nod to the 300-year-old city's Catholic roots. Four floats from the Krewe of Rex, which has been parading since 1872, had Catholic themes, including one featuring Mother Henriette Delille, a candidate for sainthood. (OSV News file photo/Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald)

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A quick history of Mardi Gras

February 13, 2026February 15, 2026

By OSV News OSV News – Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. In times of greater Lenten austerity in Catholic countries, Mardi Gras offered an opportunity for households to consume some foods they would not enjoy until Easter. In England, the day has been celebrated…...