Mardi Gras Celebrations Anticipated Across US in 2025

Mardi Gras, celebrated widely in New Orleans and beyond, serves as the grand finale of the Carnival season before the Lenten period begins. Known as 'Fat Tuesday,' this festival is steeped in rich cultural and religious traditions, marked by elaborate parades, colorful beads, and festive foods like king cake. The origins of Mardi Gras in North America, however, trace back to Mobile, Alabama, in 1703, predating New Orleans' renowned festivities. Pensacola, Florida, has also developed its distinct Mardi Gras celebrations, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually and contributing to its local heritage. The festival is not just a time for revelry but also for community connection and cultural pride, celebrated in various forms across the globe. Additionally, personal stories like those of Robert and Tiffany Hughes, who found love during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, highlight the festival's personal and emotional significance.