Q. 1. What is the meaning of "Mardis Gras?"

A. 1. "Mardis Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday." Fat Tuesday is the traditional name for the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It gets its name from the custom, in many Catholic countries, of marking the day with feasting before the fasting season of Lent begins.

In some cultures, the celebration of "Mardis Gras" gives the people an excuse to party and to participate in debauchery.

Some countries practice a similar celebration called “Carnivale” which is translated “without meat.” This celebration provides the people with the opportunity to eat much before depriving themselves of meat for the Lenten season.