It's Lundi Gras!!

1 more day until....

Lundi Gras, also known as Shrove Monday or Fat Monday, is a traditional holiday celebrated in the southern regions of the United States, particularly in Louisiana. The holiday falls on the Monday before Mardi Gras, which is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season.

Lundi Gras is an important part of the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans and other Louisiana cities. The day is filled with parades, parties, and other festivities, all leading up to the big event on Mardi Gras itself.

The history of Lundi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, where the day was known as Shrove Monday. This was the day before the start of Lent, a time of fasting and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. On Shrove Monday, people would indulge in rich, fatty foods before the period of Lenten abstinence.

When the French settled in Louisiana in the 17th and 18th centuries, they brought their Shrove Monday traditions with them. Over time, these traditions evolved into the modern-day Lundi Gras celebrations, which include parades, masquerade balls, and other festivities.

One of the highlights of Lundi Gras is the arrival of the King of the Zulu Krewe, a social and philanthropic organization that plays a major role in Mardi Gras festivities. The Zulu King arrives by boat on the Mississippi River, where he is greeted by a crowd of revelers eager to catch a glimpse of the colorful spectacle.

Another important part of Lundi Gras is the Krewe of Orpheus parade, which was founded in 1993 by New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. and several other local celebrities. The parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed riders throwing beads and other trinkets to the crowd.

Throughout the day and night, the streets of New Orleans and other Louisiana cities are filled with revelers dressed in colorful costumes and masks, dancing and singing to the rhythms of jazz and other music. Food and drink are also an important part of the celebrations, with traditional dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and king cake being enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Lundi Gras is a time of joy and celebration, a chance to let loose before the solemn period of Lent. It is also a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana and the unique traditions that make Mardi Gras such a beloved holiday around the world.