Mardi Gras

Some call it Carnival, but in New Orleans the festive celebration is called Mardi Gras, and it's always a party--a big party. The season of Carnival starts on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday, otherwise known as "Fat Tuesday," which in French is "Mardi Gras." It is considered the last hurrah of feast and revelry before the start of Lent, with its 30 days of fasting.

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How to Throw a Mardi Gras Party

Here are three easy ways to recreate the Big Easy celebration at home.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Our Best Mardi Gras Food and Drink Recipes

From po' boy sandwiches to gumbo and red beans and rice, we're sharing our favorite recipes for Mardi Gras. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Take a Trip Down to New Orleans and Experience One of These Historic Hidden Gems

If you're heading down to the "Big Easy," here's where you should stay, eat, shop, and take in a show or two within the Marigny district.

This Is Why People Eat Pancakes on Fat Tuesday

And everything else in sight.

A History of Mardi Gras—Plus, How New Orleans Became the Place to Celebrate

Another Southern city claims to have originated the holiday's revelries of feasting, parade floats, and rich costumes.

Shrimp Maque Choux

Sweet corn, spicy peppers, and succulent shrimp are the stars of this maque choux, or Cajun succotash. The "milk" scraped from the corn cobs after the kernels are cut off gives the broth an irresistible creaminess. Experiment with different varieties of peppers for a uniquely delicious result every time.

More Mardi Gras

Cajun Jambalaya

One way to distinguish between Cajun and Creole jambalaya: Traditional Cajun cooking doesn't include tomatoes. It does contain plenty of thyme, paprika, and oregano for a flavorful dinner.