Mardi Gras

Short reading for A2 level students

Mardi Gras is a fun and colorful festival. It is celebrated every year before Lent, specifically before Ash Wednesday, usually in February or March. It is very famous in New Orleans, USA, but people also celebrate it in other countries, like France and Brazil, where it is called Carnaval.

"Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday" in French because, in the past, people ate a big feast before the fasting period of Lent. During Mardi Gras, the streets are full of parades, music, and dance. People wear masks and costumes and throw beads and coins at the crowd. 

Many people also wear the festival's traditional colors: purple, green, and gold. These colors mean justice, faith, and power. Mardi Gras is a good time to have fun, enjoy the music, and celebrate with family and friends. 

After Mardi Gras, the season of Lent starts, which is a time for reflection and fasting before Easter.  

Happy Mardi Gras!