There are Mardi Gras purists in New Orleans, Mamou, Kaplan, Lake Charles, and Morgan City who are shaking their heads at that headline. To them, Mardi Gras is a day. It’s 24 hours. By the way, we have another name for “purists” with an attitude like that in Louisiana we call them “trou du cul”. Don’t say that out loud in front of kids or mixed company who might know a few words of French.
Kristina Flour via Unsplash.com
Kristina Flour via Unsplash.com
But those of us who view Mardi Gras as a season and a feeling know that every year the “length” of Mardi Gras is different. Last year I bet you remember the conundrum that we all faced on Fat Tuesday, don’t you? You don’t? See what alcohol can do to your brain?
Oscar Chevillard via Unsplash.com
Oscar Chevillard via Unsplash.com
Okay in 2024 Mardi Gras, the day not the season, was celebrated on February 13. Also known as the day before St Valentine’s Day. I think the NFL “Big Game” was in the mix as well. It messed up a lot of plans. It depends on who you are if it messed up Mardi Gras or Valentine’s but chances are one of those lost a little significance because of the close proximity of the two dates. Because the Saints suck the Super Bowl wasn’t a big deal to us in Louisiana.
Why Does Mardi Gras Date Change Every Year?
The Mardi Gras season, often called “King Cake Season” by us fat guys with blood sugar problems runs from January 6th until the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Since Lent is determined by Easter which is determined by the first full moon following the Spring Equinox we only had 40 days of “Mardi Gras” when you look at how last year’s calendar played out.
nemesis maturity via YouTube
nemesis maturity via YouTube
There is good news for revelers and King Cake lovers to celebrate in 2025. In the upcoming new year, the Mardi Gras season will begin as usual on January 6th. However, because of the moon phases and the spring equinox, we will not arrive at Fat Tuesday until March 4th. That’s nearly a whole extra month of Mardi Gras compared to 2024.
That means you should have a little more time to participate in a few more Mardi Gras Balls. We shouldn’t have a plethora of parades parked on top of each other, even though people in Scott are already marking their spaces along the route as we speak. And maybe the best news of all, it looks as if the crawfish season will be bountiful and less expensive.
So, how long is Mardi Gras this year in Louisiana? How does 57 days sound? That should be more than enough time to enjoy a king cake, a crawfish boil, a fancy dress ball, a parade, and a hangover all without ever leaving town.
Louisiana is truly a melting pot of cultures, consciousness, and sensibility. We have it all from the perfectly straight-laced to ridiculous and sublime. But one thing’s for sure you can count on these 19 facts to be real, no matter where in the state you happen to be.
Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells
