Tuesday, March 4 is commonly referred to as pancake Tuesday. It’s also called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. t’s typically marked by Christians as a day of feasting before the start of Lent — which comes with 40 days of fasting.

From high-energy parades to colorful beads and masks, there are dozens of traditions involved in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. The holiday which is less than a week away, is just ahead of the start of the Lenten season.

Mardi Gras is one of the best celebrations of the year. Between the masks, the music, the beads and the king cake, few festive occasions can measure up to how much we let loose during Carnival season.