Who started Fat Tuesday? Who observes Fat Tuesday?

Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is the final day of Carnival or Shrovetide before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in the Western Christian churches. The name “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of consuming rich and fatty foods on the last night before the fasting season of Lent begins.

The origin of Fat Tuesday dates back to an ancient Roman festival honoring the deities Lupercalia and Saturnalia, which took place in mid-February. When Christians arrived in Rome, they incorporated the festival into their Lenten preparations, and added the custom of confessing their sins and receiving absolution on that day, which became known as Shrove Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday is observed by many Christian denominations, especially Roman Catholics and Anglicans, as well as by some non-Christian cultures that have adopted the Carnival tradition. The celebration varies from country to country, but it usually involves parades, parties, costumes, music, dancing, and feasting.

Some of the most famous Fat Tuesday celebrations take place in New Orleans, Louisiana; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Venice, Italy; and Binche, Belgium.

Fat Tuesday is a day of joy and indulgence before the solemn and penitential season of Lent. It is also a day to appreciate the good things that God has given us, and to prepare ourselves for spiritual growth and renewal.