After Chandeleur, at the beginning of February, comes Mardi Gras a few weeks later. Often confused in date and celebration, these holidays are quite distinct, with different histories and origins. But what is celebrated on this day? It's the apotheosis of Carnival, marking the end of the "week of seven fat days" before Lent, a liturgical period of fasting and devotion to God. A day of festivities during which rich foods are eaten in abundance, before deprivation.
A celebration that originated in Roman antiquity. More precisely, it was a pagan festival celebrating the end of winter, the Calendes of March, during which people could dress up and "the forbidden were transgressed", as our colleagues in Le Figaro explain.
The festival evolved with the spread of Christianity, and Carnival was celebrated on the last day of the festival. The word comes from the Latin carne levare, meaning "to removethe meat", and here refers to the last "fatty" meal (hence the name Mardi Gras, since rich foods such as meat, butter and sugar were eaten for the occasion) enjoyed before the start of Lent. Mardi Gras also precedes Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent when meat is banned.
Why a Tuesday?
Because this feast is celebrated 47 days before Easter, symbolizing Christ's 40-day journey across the dessert. Easter is always on a Monday, so this feast always falls on a Tuesday. Is there anything special to eat on Mardi Gras? Today, it's traditional to eat pancakes (hence the confusion with Chandeleur), but also waffles, doughnuts and bugnes.
Why, you may ask? These delicacies are made mainly of eggs and butter, which are forbidden during Lent, and to avoid losses, it was necessary to empty the stocks. If you're looking for recipes or want to buy from a patissier, here are a few addresses:
What's for Mardi Gras 2024? Regional specialities
You could easily say that there are as many different recipes and names for beignets as there are regions in France. Don't believe us? Here's a quick roundup of the different beignets in France, in time for Mardi Gras 2024 on February 13! [Read more]
It's time to get in the kitchen and make some hearty doughnuts, for your kids or yourself, for Mardi Gras 2024 on February 13! [Read more]
Are you a fan of plump sugar doughnuts and doughnuts with chocolate or jam filling? We'll take you to the best spots in Paris for a guaranteed treat! [Read more]
Where does the Carnival tradition come from?
Carnival as we celebrate it today originated in several Italian towns. The best-known of these is Venice, which organized lavish celebrations as early as the 11th century. Disguises, and above all masks, became increasingly popular in the 13th century, the idea being to preserve anonymity during these outrageous celebrations.
Today, every city in the world has its own traditions: colorful floats in Nice, herring throwing in Dunkirk, wild dances in Rio... The common denominator of all these celebrations is masquerade costume. And to make you dream a little :
Carnaval de Paris celebrates its 25th edition this year. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at this not-to-be-missed Mardi Gras event in the capital.à [Read more]
What's for Mardi Gras 2024? Regional specialities
Mardi Gras 2024: Easy recipes for doughnuts, waffles and bugnes
Where to eat donuts and beignets in Paris? Our best addresses
Carnaval de Paris 2024: the party route!
