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3rd Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser
to benefit the International Institute for Culture
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SHORT HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS
The history of Mardi Gras began long before Europeans set foot in the New World. In mid-February the ancient Romans celebrated the Lupercalia, a circus-like festival not entirely unlike the Mardi Gras we are familiar with today. When Rome embraced Christianity, the early Church fathers decided it was better to incorporate certain aspects of pagan rituals into the new faith rather than attempt to abolish them altogether. Carnival became a period of abandon and merriment that preceded the penance of Lent, thus giving a Christian interpretation to the ancient custom. Mardi Gras, literally translated 'Fat Tuesday', was celebrated the Tuesday before the first day of Lent on Wednesday, which subsequently meant the beginning of fasting.
Mardi Gras had been celebrated in Paris since the Middle Ages, where it was a major holiday. The tradition came to America in 1699 with the French explorer Iberville. Iberville sailed into the Gulf of Mexico, from where he launched an expedition up the Mississippi River. On March 3 of 1699, Iberville had set up a camp on the west bank of the river about 60 miles south of where New Orleans is today. This was the day Mardi Gras was being celebrated in France. In honor of this important day, Iberville named the site Point du Mardi Gras. This also the reason Mardi Gras is often associated with New Orleans.
Of course, Mardi Gras is not to be an excuse or an occasion for sin, but rather provides an opportunity for levity and merriment for Christians before they enter into a period of penance and earnest mortification. It makes no sense without the rigors of Lent but does remind us that the rhythm of Catholic life is one of both fasting and feasting.
Call today to make reservations. (215) 877-9910
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