When is Mardi Gras? The carnival festivities explained.

Mardi Gras is often known for its extravagant costumes, large parades and colorful masks. What began as a religious observance before the 40 days of slow has grown to an all-out series of parties.

Mardi Gras has become more than just a single day and encompasses a period of celebration.

Each year, various countries, like the US and France, celebrate the Carnival seasonaccording to Britannica.

But when is Mardi Gras and how long is it? Here is what you need to know about the holiday.

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When is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” according to Britannica. It is traditionally celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday, following the Christian liturgical calendar.

Historically, on this day, people were meant to use “all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence,” says Britannica. According to History.com, Christians would binge on all the rich, fatty foods, such as meat, eggs and cheese, in their homes prior to the period of Lenten fasting.