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
4 Mar 2026Purple crocus flowers, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
A grand view
7 Dec 2024Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
Aug 26, 2023Museum Night in Berlin
27 Dec 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland
Close to the wind
Cheerful colours of a Cornwall classic
Taking the long view
A day for cousins of every stripe
Postcard from Italy
27 Oct 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
6 Oct 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Looking sharp
Let’s protect our turtles
11 Dec 2023International Mountain Day
14 Jul 2024Burrowing owl chicks
28 Jan 2024Channel Country, Australia
25 Sep 2023Sea otters
14 Apr 2025Atlantic spotted dolphin near Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal
Waterfall capital of the world?
Pick your paradise
20 Dec 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
12 Nov 2023Diwali
12 Oct 2023Palouse region, Idaho, USA
1 Jul 2024Canada Day
13 Feb 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
Beauty beneath the surface
If these walls could talk...
One rare streak
2 Nov 2024American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA