Mardi Gras is a celebratory time of year that's steeped in rich history and traditions. Every year, people from all over the world gather for parades, good eats and a ton of fun. But unlike many other holidays, the day changes every year. So if you're hoping to throw some beads, eat some King Cake and attend a ball, you'll need to know what day is best to catch all the festivities.
When is Mardi Gras 2024?
Mardi Gras changes dates each year because it is connected to Easter, which also changes dates each year. Mardi Gras always falls exactly 47 days before Easter, which will take place on March 31. That means, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. However, the Carnival season is much longer than just one day. Each year, Carnival begins on January 6, or the Feast of the Epiphany in the Christian faith. The season ends on Mardi Gras, which is always the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season in the Christian faith. That means that this year, Carnival runs from January 6 to February 20.
What is Mardi Gras, and why is it celebrated?
The name Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. During the Lenten season, many will fast or abstain from meat and other foods, so the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is the last day for many weeks to indulge. That's why you'll find some of the best food served during Mardi Gras, including King Cake.
Is Mardi Gras a religious holiday?
Despite the fact that the holiday is associated with the Christian faith, everyone can (and does!) participate. In New Orleans, the entire city does. Different clubs, or krewes, host parades and masked balls in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, and the holiday is renowned for merry-making and fun.
When is Mardi Gras next year?
Here is when Mardi Gras will fall in the coming years:
- 2025: March 4
- 2026: February 17
- 2027: February 9
Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.
