Today is called the beginning of Mardi Gras – or “Fat Tuesday,” the night before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Lent is the six weeks before Easter.  During Lent many religions give up or sacrifice something they especially like to eat. Often those things are rich or “fatty” so that’s how the day got it’s nickname. It’s the last day of eating your favorites until Easter. Mardi Gras a day of celebration that is famous the world over for the parades and parties in New Orleans, St. Louis and all over the country. People dress up in costumes and build elaborate floats. The official colors of Mardi Gras are Purple, Green and Gold.

Many cities have a special Mardi Gras pet parade as part of their celebrations. Schools sometimes celebrate by creating a Mardi Gras day. It’s a fun to create a Mardi Gras parade of your own – have a pet parade with your pets!