ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is a very special day that happens once a year, and it’s a reason to eat lots of yummy food! It's also known as Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday". This day is celebrated all over the world, and it marks the last day of the Carnival season before the start of Lent.

Lent is a religious period that lasts for 40 days and begins on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, many people choose to give up something that they enjoy doing or eating as a way to show their respect for God. Fat Tuesday is a way for people to enjoy their favorite foods before they take a break from them during Lent.

On Fat Tuesday, it's traditional to eat rich, delicious food like pancakes, waffles, and muffins. These foods are full of fat and sugar, which makes them extra-tasty but not so good for our bodies if we eat them every day. This is why they're saved for a special occasion like Fat Tuesday.

Another fun part of Fat Tuesday is dressing up in costumes and masks. People wear all sorts of bright, colorful outfits and masks with feathers, glitter, and other decorations. They dance and sing in the streets, and some even ride in elaborate parades!

Overall, Fat Tuesday is a fun and exciting time for everyone to come together, eat yummy food, and enjoy themselves before the start of Lent. It's a great way to celebrate and have fun with friends and family.