Mardi Gras Traditions and History

While the raucous parties and festive parades of the Mardi Gras and Carnivale season may not seem like they should be tied to the Christian church, the traditions of "Fat Tuesday" are in fact related in history to the season of fasting and repentance known as Lent. The holiday was a compromise dreamed up by the Roman rulers when Christianity was named the state religion. In order to persuade pagan spring revelers to join the faith, the end of their festival was made to coincide with the beginning of Lent. Thus, the day before Ash Wednesday began the 40 day fasting period, they had a huge party to eat everything in the house. "Fat Tuesday" was born, and when the custom traveled to France, it was translated to "Mardi Gras". But how did the festivity get to America - and eventually, to Kansas City?  Read More about Mardi Gras Traditions and History »