Happy Fat Tuesday! 4 Mar 2025

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.

© SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

The road less taken?
4 Mar 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

More Desktop Wallpapers:

15 Sep 2024Stockholm Public Library, Sweden
Aug 23, 2023Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
17 May 2024Endangered Species Day
5 May 2024Happy Cinco de Mayo!
23 Dec 2023Festivus
More of a moustache than a beard?
8 Nov 2023Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia, Wales
22 Feb 2025Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, United States
12 Feb 2024Darwin Day
30 Sep 2024Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Rainbow reflection
24 Sep 2024Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
So good, they built it twice
Rocky Mountain run-off
23 Feb 2025Mount Fuji Day
A walk in the clouds
10 Jan 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece
Blackpool’s light fantastic
Teddy bears of the sea
11 Sep 2024Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island, Chile
15 Nov 2024Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Taking the long view
Tomb of the Golden Pharaoh
A rocky wrinkle in time
5 Sep 20242024 Toronto International Film Festival
An underwater paradise
Serene waters on a trembling earth
12 Mar 2025Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France
London calling
9 Oct 2024Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA