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'''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 [[Resurrection Sunday]]. Since the date of Resurrection Sunday 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 or Pancake Tuesday, is the day before [[Ash Wednesday]], the day that marks the beginning of the [[Christianity|Christian]] season of [[Lent]]. It is scheduled to occur 46 days before [[Easter]], otherwise known as [[Resurrection Sunday]]. Since the date of Resurrection Sunday 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, it became common to make Fat Tuesday a day of feasting and celebration. Historically, however, the day was known as Shrove Tuesday because it was set aside for a sacramental confession of one's sins, hence the penitent was said to have been "shriven," or absolved, of his sins. "Shrove Tuesday" remains the term used on the church calendar.

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.