The English term "shrovetide" (from "to shrive", or hear confessions) is sufficiently explained by a sentence in the Anglo-Saxon "Ecclesiastical Institutes" translated from Theodulphus by Abbot Aelfric (q.v.) about A.D. 1000: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then my hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]". In this name shrovetide the religious idea is uppermost, and the same is true of the German Fastnacht (the eve of the fast). It is intelligible enough that before a long period of deprivations human nature should allow itself some exceptional license in the way of frolic and good cheer.

The English custom of eating pancakes was undoubtedly suggested by the need of using up the eggs and fat which were, originally at least, prohibited articles of diet during the forty days of Lent. The same prohibition is, of course, mainly responsible for the association of eggs with the Easter festival at the other end of Lent. Although the observance of Shrovetide in England never ran to the wild excesses which often marked this period of license in southern climes, still various sports and especially games of football were common in almost all parts of the country, and in the households of the great it was customary to celebrate the evening of Shrove Tuesday by the performance of plays and masques.

The festive observance of Shrovetide had become far too much a part of the life of the people to be summarily discarded at the Reformation. In Dekker's "Seven Deadly Sins of London", 1606, we read: "they presently, like prentices upon Shrove-Tuesday, take the game into their own hands and do what they list"; and we learn from contemporary writers that the day was almost everywhere kept as a holiday, while many kinds of horseplay seem to have been tolerated or winked at in the universities and public schools. The Church repeatedly made efforts to check the excesses of the carnival, especially in Italy. During the sixteenth century in particular a special form of the Forty Hours Prayer was instituted in many places on the Monday and Tuesday of Shrovetide, partly to draw the people away from these dangerous occasions of sin, partly to make expiation for the excesses committed. By a special constitution addressed by Benedict XIV to the archbishops and bishops of the Papal States, and headed "Super Bacchanalibus", a plenary indulgence was granted in 1747 to those who took part in the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament which was to be carried out daily for three days during the carnival season.

From the Catholic Encyclopedia, copyright 1913 by the Encyclopedia Press, Inc. Electronic version copyright1997 by New Advent, Inc.

Nowhere on the planet is Fat Tuesday celebrated more than on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The day is celebrated with festivities and parades and of course much food and drink. While in New Orleans, a big tradition is in wearing Mardi Gras beads and giving them to others. And tradition requires that if a guy gives a girl some beads, she has to do something for him.....this can be just loads of fun.........

Did You Know? On Bourbon street in New Orleans, storeowners coat poles and columns with vaseline to keep  wild and rowdy revelers from climbing them (and perhaps falling).

Although Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, no one does it like New Orleans -- the City that Care Forgot! This site will introduce you to the major participants of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, provide updated parade information, the truth about our Mardi Gras traditions, the best places to get your Mardi Gras beads, masks, and kingcakes ... and more!

Links

Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans! 
A guide that includes Parade Schedules, General Information, History & Tradition, Tours & Attractions, Mardi Gras Packages, Beads & Supplies.

The Official Mardi Gras Site
TWO live webcasts open the Carnival window to the world!  Bourbocam:  Join our hosts for the wild party on Bourbon Street! Live & uncensored. Paradecam:  Our hosts bring you the sights and sounds of the Uptown parades!  2003 Mardi Gras Highlights,

How to Build a Mardi Gras Float for Dummies
In New Orleans, one of our favorite childhood memories is making floats. Capture the essence of Mardi Gras by making your own float now using our easy instructions and basic household materials. A fun and creative experience for the whole family!

Online Shopping Now
Beads, Doubloons, Kingcakes, Posters, Guides, Music, Dolls, Collectors Items and much much more. Open year round

How to Recreate your Own Mardi Gras Party
No matter where you are in the world, you can bring the joy of Carnival into your school, home or office. This year we have compiled the information that you need to make your PartyGras a success. This free online guide is everything you need to know to have a fun and festive classroom party, a prom, or an adult party

Mardi Gras & Cajun Food Recipe Guide
This free online guide, filled with over 50 tried and true favorites is a must for any host or hostess. Find out New Orleans cooking secrets revealed to you at this website and tempt your taste buds with these delicious traditional family recipes.

Hotel Reservations
Mardi Gras Day will be observed on March 4th, with or without you (but hopefully with you!). Make your plans now and avoid the rush, confirm your hotel reservations online! Let us do the searching for that perfect room, we will find it and give you a great rate, too! Don't wait.

You Know You are a Mardi Gras Addict When
Your first priority for buying a house is if it's on a parade route or not.
You know your choice of a mate is correct if they live on a parade route.
You choose your friends based on if they live on a parade route or not.
Read More........

Mardi Gras Dictionary 
Know the lingo of Mardi Gras