Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the final day of Carnival, but incorrectly Mardi Gras has come to include the weeks proceeding Fat Tuesday as well. The most famous US Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans with many others held around all over the world.
The New Orleans celebrations date back to the early 1700s, when the city as the capital of French North America. Skirting the law for many years, Mardi Gras was made a state holiday by Louisiana in 1875. Each year since organizations known as “Krewes” put on parades through the streets of New Orleans in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Each parade is unique an one of those “one in lifetime experiences.” If you haven’t been to the French Quarter in February, put it on the calendar.
Here are some cocktails to celebrate with, no matter where you are.
