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Mardi Gras Around the World

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Fat Tuesday Festivities Mark the Pre-Lenten Period

The French phrase Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday" aptly describes the pre-Lenten carnival celebrations that usher in the Lenten season of abstinence. Rather than referring to a single day, Mardi Gras encompasses the entire festival time. In some towns, celebrations may last a day while in places like Mobile, Alabama, where in 1703 the first U.S. Mardi Gras took place, the carnival begins in November and continues until Ash Wednesday -- that's about three months of partying! Not even Hurrican Katrina could dampen Mobile's parade. In fact, Mobile had its largest Mardi Gras in history after the storm.

Most cities stick to a February celebration, which is why my wife loves Mardi Gras so much. She thinks the party is about her! She's a February baby and loves a celebration. Let's see, birthday, Sarasota Opera Opening Night, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras ... She inspired me to look around the world to see how other people celebrate her birthday!

Turns out the world's a carnival. We just use different phrases to describe the party. There are countries with carnival traditions and then there's Shrove Tuesday to gobble up all the rich food that you should give up for Lent.

Please join me as I explore the world's pre-Lenten festivities. Tomorrow we diet!


Photo of Zeus from a New Orleans, Louisiana float: http://www.flickr.com/photos/86931652@N00/ / CC BY 2.0

Belgium

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Asterix in Belgium

By Rene Goscinny

What a horror! Chief Vitalstatistix learns that Caesar has called the Belgian tribes, and not the Gauls, the bravest he knows. Along with Asterix and Obelix, the chief goes to confront the Belgians -- who, to his surprise, turn out to be very like the people in his own hometown.
Asterix in Belgium (Asterix (Orion Hardcover))

Asterix in Belgium (Asterix (Orion Hardcover))

by: Rene Goscinny

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One of the funniest adventures featuring those "Crazy Gauls " Asterix & Obelix.

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Brazil

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Carnival in Rio

By Helmut Teissl

Each year, usually in February though sometimes early March, Rio de Janeiro erupts in an ecstatic fiesta of pulsating music, swirling dancers, and radiant costumes. From all over the world, tens of thousands of people descend upon Rio for festivities lasting four days and four nights. Carnival is the Brazilian version of Mardi Gras, an exuberant holiday that comes just before Lent, and it consumes the entire city. In Carnival in Rio, Helmut Teissl's vibrant, full-color photographs capture the unique pageantry and euphoria of the world's largest party.
Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio

by: Helmut Teissl

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A feast for the eyes plus a CD of actual carnival sounds for your ears....

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Canada

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Michelin Green Guide Quebec

(Michelin Green Guide: Quebec (Province) English Edition)

The long-standing Michelin Travel Guidesmake ideal travel companion for travelers who want to connect with the world. Get to know the local way of life through detailed background information on the country, people and culture.
Michelin Quebec (Michelin Green Guide Quebecc)

Michelin Quebec (Michelin Green Guide Quebecc)

by: Eric J. Fletcher

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Bicycle your way around Lac St-Jean, sample maple syrup in a cabana a sucre, let the views of the Gaspesie inspire your painter's brush, wander the cobblestone streets of New France in Quebec City or study Canadian art history at Montreal's McCord Museum

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Colombia

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Sonar No Cuesta Nada (2006)

or Dreams Cost Nothing

Based on a very amazing true story about a Colombian Army unit who finds a rebel cache of millions of USD. Instead of turning it in, they take the money and tell no one. Unfortunately, the find is not a secret for long.
Soñar No Cuesta Nada

Soñar No Cuesta Nada

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Spanish with subtitles

Release Date: 10/16/2007

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France

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King Carnival Nice France Effigy Cleaver Torchlight

Antique Print of King Carnival Nice France Effigy Cleaver Torchlight, a rare double page from a publication dated 1899. Actual date printed on page.
King Carnival Nice France Effigy Cleaver Torchlight

King Carnival Nice France Effigy Cleaver Torchlight

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There is a fold that will not show when frames. Also, some double spreads have binding holes. Print approximately 19" X 12" (480X300). Approximate page size 22" X 16" (560X410). Ready to mat and frame.

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Italy

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Art Deco Lady Butterfly Venetian Mask

Wall Decor

Lady Butterfly Venetian Mask - Made with cold cast resin, each painstakingly hand-painted, the lavish decoration, intricate details and striking color are simply stunning. This piece has a substantial feel to it and is ready to hang.
Art Deco Style Lady Butterfly Venetian Style Mask Wall Decor

Art Deco Style Lady Butterfly Venetian Style Mask Wall Decor

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* Lady Butterfly Venetian Mask
* Measuring 13.75 inches tall and 6 inches wide
* Cold Cast Resin
* Gift Boxed

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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United States

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120 Mardi Gras Throw Toss Bead necklaces

33 inches long!

A crowd pleaser for Mardi Gras
120 MARDI GRAS PARTY THROW TOSS BEADS NECKLACES!! - 33 INCHES LONG **ON SALE TODAY** FOR SPRING BREAK

120 MARDI GRAS PARTY THROW TOSS BEADS NECKLACES!! - 33 INCHES LONG **ON SALE TODAY** FOR SPRING BREAK

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*10 dozen 33-inch bead necklaces (Less than $2 per dozen)

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Please share your memories of feasting before a fast!

Do you mardi gras before you start a diet?

  • SayGuddaycom Jan 29, 2012 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    Bonus point for including an Asterix comic!
  • howdoyouspellstupid Oct 20, 2010 @ 4:44 pm | delete
    Awesome lens! I like the Mardi Gras pictures. Those beads are so much fun.
  • JaguarJulie Jan 15, 2010 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    I had to smile my dear when I read this, "...my wife loves Mardi Gras so much. She thinks the party is about her!" Well, that's what we women live for! ;)
  • Michey Jan 5, 2010 @ 3:01 pm | delete
    Hi I didn't know if Mardi Gras is around the world. I was once in New Orleans, and I know about Basile and Carnival of Venice.
    very informative
    Michey
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Mardi Gras at Auction

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