Happy Mardi-Gras!

Mardi-Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Carnival are a festive season in France which take place the week before Lent. Traditionally, this means indulging in rich, fatty foods before the Lenten times of fasting. Crepes, beignets (donuts) and waffles are eaten. Though the Lenten observance of fasting for 40 days is followed by a small group of people, Mardi-Gras is still an opportunity for many to enjoy masquerade processions, pageants, masked balls, and outdoor feats.  Many sumptuous parades and celebrations take place in French towns and schools.