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 do we celebrate on this day?
It's the apotheosis of Carnival, marking the end of the "week of seven fat days" before Lent, the liturgical period of devotion to God during which people fast. 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 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.
Do we eat anything special for Mardi Gras?
Today, it's traditional to eat pancakes (hence the confusion with Chandeleur), but also waffles, doughnuts and other bugnes.
Why, you may ask?
These delicacies are made up mainly of eggs and butter, which are forbidden during Lent, so 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 2025? 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? Let's take a look at the different beignets in France, in time for Mardi Gras 2025 on March 4! [Read more]
It's time to get in the kitchen and make some hearty doughnuts, for your kids or yourself, for Mardi Gras 2025 on March 4! [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 originated in Italy, where it is said that the Carnival as we celebrate it today originated in several Italian towns. The best-known of these was Venice, which organized lavish celebrations as early as the 11th century. Disguises, and masks in particular, became more widespread in the 13th century, the idea being to preserve anonymity during these outrageous celebrations.
Today, every city in the world has its own traditions: a parade of colorful floats in Nice, herring throwing in Dunkirk, wild dancing in Rio... The common denominator of all these celebrations is masquerade costume. And to make you dream a little :
Carnaval de Paris is back for another edition. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at this not-to-be-missed Mardi Gras event in the capital. [Read more]
What's for Mardi Gras 2025? Regional specialities
Mardi Gras 2025: Easy recipes for doughnuts, waffles and bugnes
Where to eat donuts and beignets in Paris? Our best addresses
Carnaval de Paris 2025: discover the date and theme of the next edition!
