Mardi Gras Trivia Answers

1. True or False: Mardi Gras in America began in New Orleans? False. A common misconception - Mardi Gras in America was actually begun in Mobile, Ala. in 1703. A year after its (founding) in 1857, members of a Mobilian mystic society brought Mardi Gras to New Orlean.
2. What medieval tradition can Mardi Gras be traced back to? Feasting before the arrival of Lent. Mardi Gras day was the last day before Lent, when Catholics would give up a certain food until Easter. Therefore, they would feast the day before.
3. What does the French expression "Mardi Gras" literally translate to in English? Fat Tuesday. It was called so because of the feasting that took place on this day.
4. How did the Spanish add their touch to the French Mardi Gras? By holding lighted torch parades. Some mystic societies today still march by torchlight.
5. What is Mardi Gras known as in the Christian calendar? Shrove Tuesday - the day before Lent starts. The following day, the first day of lent, is known as Ash Wednesday.

Source: Trivia Fun Facts obtained from FunTrivia.com.