Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, February 13. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” which is the last day before Lent for Catholics. The day after Mardi Gras is Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins and followers have 40 days of prayer and fasting before Easter Sunday, on March 31. As the last day before Lent, Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and good food. 

King cakes are a traditional dessert on Mardi Gras. The cake is decorated with sprinkles: purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power). A small baby is hidden inside. To some people, the baby represents Jesus, and to others, it represents good luck for the year ahead. Either way, whoever finds the baby has to bring the next king cake. 

Organizations called krewes put on Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans that are known for throwing beads. They build elaborate floats and throw elegant masquerade balls. In Rio and Venice, costumes and dancing are the primary forms of celebration. Denver does not seem to offer Mardi Gras parades, which some people think should change. 

I love Mardi Gras is because of the time I can spend with family!