Changes

'''Fat Tuesday''', also known as Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, is the day before [[Ash Wednesday]], which begins the Christian season of [[Lent]]. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before [[Easter Sunday]]. Since the date of Easter varies from year to year, Fat Tuesday can occur on any Tuesday from February 3 to March 9.<ref name="cq">[http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/fat_tuesday.asp What is Fat Tuesday?]</ref> Because the [[Catholic Church]] forbids the eating of meat and meat products every Friday during Lent, and because Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and [[Good Friday]], it became common to make Fat Tuesday a day of feasting and celebration.

'''Fat Tuesday''', also known as Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, is the day before [[Ash Wednesday]], which begins the [[Christianity|Christian]] season of [[Lent]]. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before [[Easter Sunday]]. Since the date of Easter varies from year to year, Fat Tuesday can occur on any Tuesday from February 3 to March 9.<ref name="cq">[http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/fat_tuesday.asp What is Fat Tuesday?]</ref> Because the [[Catholic Church]] forbids the eating of meat and meat products every Friday during Lent, and because Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and [[Good Friday]], it became common to make Fat Tuesday a day of feasting and celebration.

Mardi Gras is the [[French]] term for Fat Tuesday, and the holiday was brought to the [[United States]] by the [[French]]. The very first Mardi Gras celebration was believed to have been observed in 1703 in Mobile, [[Alabama]].<ref>[http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/other/mardigra.html Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday (United States)]</ref> However [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] is the city most associated with Mardi Gras. In New Orleans it is an official holiday, and has been an event for two centuries, except during the two World Wars.<ref name="cq" /> Every year, residents and guests stage elaborate and boisterous parades and balls.

Mardi Gras is the [[French]] term for Fat Tuesday, and the holiday was brought to the [[United States]] by the [[French]]. The very first Mardi Gras celebration was believed to have been observed in 1703 in Mobile, [[Alabama]].<ref>[http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/other/mardigra.html Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday (United States)]</ref> However [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] is the city most associated with Mardi Gras. In New Orleans it is an official holiday, and has been an event for two centuries, except during the two World Wars.<ref name="cq" /> Every year, residents and guests stage elaborate and boisterous parades and balls.