Mardi Gras is a traditional festival celebrated in many parts of the world, most famously in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The term "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday" and refers to the day before the Christian season of Lent begins.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia, which were characterized by feasting, merriment, and revelry. When Christianity spread and established Lent as a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter, the tradition of celebrating on the day before Lent became integrated into the Christian calendar.

During Mardi Gras, people engage in various activities such as parades, parties, masquerades, and street celebrations. One of the most distinctive features of Mardi Gras is the colorful and elaborate costumes worn by participants, often with masks, beads, and feathers. Floats adorned with vibrant decorations and performers tossing trinkets, known as "throws," to the crowds are also common sights.

New Orleans is particularly renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations, which attract thousands of tourists each year. The city's Mardi Gras season, also referred to as Carnival season, officially begins on January 6th, known as Twelfth Night or the Feast of Epiphany, and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Parades, featuring various "krewes" (social organizations), take place throughout the season, with the largest and most famous parades occurring in the final days leading up to Mardi Gras.

While Mardi Gras is strongly associated with New Orleans, similar festivities are held in other parts of the world, including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil (known as Carnival), Venice in Italy, and several Caribbean countries. Each region puts its own unique cultural spin on the celebration, but the common themes of indulgence, vibrant costumes, and lively parades persist.

It's worth noting that the specific traditions and events associated with Mardi Gras may vary from year to year and from one location to another, so it's always a good idea to consult local sources or official websites for the most up-to-date information if you're planning to participate in the festivities.