6 (Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day) through Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, the last hurrah before Ash Wednesday and the sobering start to Lent. Variations of the cake span a number of Catholic-influenced cultures and countries, as varied as the
Here are some Bay Area spots to celebrate the holiday and enjoy "les traditions de mardi gras."
Ian Somerhalder & Norman Reedus Throw Mardi Gras Beads in New Orleans! Ian Somerhalder and Norman Reedus both toss out beads to the crowd while leading the parade on the Krewe of Endymion during Mardi Gras
Find out more about the history of Mardi Gras, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com.
King of the Krewe of Rex, Jack Laborde, rides on his float down a largely empty St. Charles Avenue, during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, March 4, 2014. Rain and unusually cold temperatures kept the normally massive and festive crowds away.