Happy Mardi Gras! Bonne fête du Carnaval et Joyeux Mardi Gras! Enjoy your Fat Tuesday feast, and have a great time celebrating this iconic holiday. Remember to wear costumes or masks to join in on the festive fun, catch some of the incredible parades, enjoy a delicious meal featuring traditional Mardi Gras dishes, and don't forget to collect your strings of colorful beads. Here are a few fun facts for your enjoyment.

1. Mardi Gras is the celebration of the day before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. The phrase "Mardi Gras" translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French and typically falls on February or March each year.

2. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold, which represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.

3. Beads are a commonly exchanged item during Mardi Gras celebrations – strings of colorful beads are often thrown from floats that parade through the streets during parades associated with the holiday.

4. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras since 1699 – making it one of its oldest events!

5. Although it's most popularly celebrated in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many communities across the United States and around the world.

6. There are numerous traditional foods associated with Mardi Gras celebrations, including king cake, jambalaya, and beignets. Many of these dishes include ingredients such as gumbo, crawfish, and okra. Beverages such as hurricanes and café brûlot are often served during the festivities.

7. Having a great time is an essential part of celebrating Mardi Gras. Historically, the celebration includes vibrant music, dance performances, parades, and carnival games. People wear costumes or masks to join in on the festive fun – so don't forget to get into the spirit of things with all sorts of colorful outfits! 

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras celebration. Vive le Carnaval!