Internet Colors - Set of 1035

Mardi Gras Color 563 - #880085

"Mardi Gras," "Mardi Gras season," and "Carnival season," in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The day is sometimes referred to as Shrove Tuesday, from the word shrive, meaning "confess." Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent.

Mardi Gras celebrants in the French Quarter of New Orleans often dress in the traditional colors of purple, green, and gold. While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of traditionally ethnic French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations.