Laissez les bons temps rouler!

In English ~ Let the good times roll!  It's Mardi Gras ~ Fat Tuesday~ a day of celebrations before fasting for Lent begins tomorrow, Ash Wednesday.  While not a national holiday, Mardi Gras is celebrated in French populated cities across the country.  The best known of these is a favorite travel destination of mine; New Orleans.  Thousands of tourists flock to the French Quarter every year for parades, masked balls, good music and great food. 

The tradition of wearing costumes and masks to Mardi Gras events began as a way to allow the classes to mingle and people to behave in ways that would be considered unacceptable on any other day.  The krewes~ elite social clubs ~ that organized and hosted the events were secret societies, and the costumes and masks were an essential aspect to preserving their anonimity.

The traditional colors of purple, which symbolizes justice, green for faith and gold for power, were chosen by the krewe of the Rex parade in 1872 and used ever since.  Rex, King of the Carnival, also began the tradition that year of throwing items into the crowds lining the parade route.  The early throws were sugar coated almonds, but later glass beads in the holiday colors were used as well.

I will be celebrating Fat Tuesday by making one of my favorite recipies, Pasta Jambalaya from Mr. B's Bistro.  Is there anything special that you do to mark the day?  Please share; I would love to hear!

xoxo, Anita

{All photos from the New York Public Library Digital Gallery.}