Discover the rich history behind Britain’s beloved Pancake Day tradition, from medieval confession rituals to modern-day pancake races. Learn when Shrove Tuesday falls in 2026 and why this delicious custom has endured for centuries. When Is Pancake Day 2026 and Why Does the Date Change Every Year? Pancake Day 2026 […]
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras vs. Fat Tuesday: What’s the Real Difference?
People often use “Mardi Gras” and “Fat Tuesday” interchangeably, but the two terms are not quite the same thing. This guide explains the difference between Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday: what each term means, how the Carnival season fits in, and how the day is observed in New Orleans and […]
Is Mardi Gras Family-Friendly? 5 Best Spots for Families in 2026
Mardi Gras has a wild reputation, but much of Carnival is genuinely family-friendly, especially away from the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street. This guide looks at whether Mardi Gras is family-friendly and highlights the best spots for families in 2026, with tips on parades, timing, and what to expect with children. […]
Mardi Gras 2026 Calendar: When Do the Biggest Parades Start?
Mardi Gras 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, the final day of a Carnival season that begins on January 6. The biggest parades roll in the last two weeks, building to Fat Tuesday. This guide lays out the Mardi Gras 2026 calendar: when the major New Orleans parades start, the […]
Why We Throw Beads: Understanding Mardi Gras Traditions and Etiquette
Throwing and catching beads is one of Mardi Gras’ best-known traditions, but there is real history and etiquette behind the colourful throws. This guide explains why beads are thrown at Mardi Gras, the meaning of the Carnival colours, the history of the throws, and the etiquette every parade-goer should know. […]
What to Wear to Mardi Gras 2026: Costume Ideas and Practical Tips
Dressing up is part of the fun of Mardi Gras, whether you go all out in a costume or simply wear the purple, green, and gold of Carnival. This guide covers what to wear to Mardi Gras 2026: costume ideas, the meaning of the colours, and practical tips on comfort, […]
20 Traditional Mardi Gras Foods You Must Try
Food is central to Mardi Gras, from the king cake hiding its tiny baby to New Orleans staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. This guide rounds up 20 traditional Mardi Gras foods to try, the dishes and sweets that define Carnival season in New Orleans and beyond, with notes on […]
The Best Authentic King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Celebration
No Mardi Gras is complete without king cake, the ring-shaped, cinnamon-filled pastry decorated in purple, green, and gold and hiding a tiny baby inside. This guide shares an authentic king cake recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration, with step-by-step instructions, the traditional colours, and the story behind the hidden baby. […]
DIY Mardi Gras Decorations: Purple, Green, and Gold Inspiration for 2026
The colours of Mardi Gras, purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power, are the heart of any Carnival decoration. This guide shares DIY Mardi Gras decoration ideas in purple, green, and gold for 2026, from masks and wreaths to table settings and banners you can make at […]
100 Creative Mardi Gras Party Ideas
You do not have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. With the right colours, food, and music, you can bring Carnival into your own home. This guide offers creative Mardi Gras party ideas, from purple, green, and gold decor and king cake to playlists, games, and costumes […]