When you’re thinking of Mardi Gras hot spots, you probably don’t think of Chattanooga right away. But don’t be fooled ... there’s some good merrymaking happening in our city. 🎉
What’s Mardi Gras all about anyway? Here’s some facts to think about while you’re partying:
- Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) is celebrated all over the world, with festivals in Belgium, France, Russia, the UK + many more. 🌍
- The official season of Mardi Gras begins on Jan. 6, which is the feast day Epiphany in the church calendar.
- Some Mardis Gras celebrations (like the one in New Orleans) last from Jan, 6. all the way through Ash Wednesday (March 6) though many festivals are celebrated in the final days before Ash Wednesday.
- Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which is the penitential season before Easter. Traditionally, Christians practice some form of abstention during the 40 days of Lent (meaning you fast or give up something). ❌
- Mardi Gras celebrations usually involve drinking and eating fatty, rich foods before the Lenten fasting season. (Might as well go out with a bang, right?)
Bookmark these Mardi Gras events on your calendar.
Mardi Gras Ball 2019: Saints and Sinners | Sat., Mar. 2 | 7 p.m. | The Westin | 801 Pine Street | $50 - $85 | The Mystikal Krewe of Indulgences presents its 24th annual Mardis Gras celebration.
Mardi Gras on Station Street | Sat., Mar. 2 | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. | 24 Station St. | $15 | Dancing in the streets, feathers, beads, and masks. Chattanooga may not have a Bourbon Street, but we do have a Station Street.
Mardi Gras at Wanderlinger | Tue., Mar. 5 | 4-10 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing | 1208 King St. | Free | Wanderlinger Brewing hosts an evening Mardi Gras revelry with music from The Gino Fanelli Trio, catering + a traditional king cake.
Mardi Gras at The Big Chill | Sat., Mar. 2 + Tue., Mar. 5 | The Big Chill | 8 p.m. | 103 Cherokee Blvd. | Beads, dancing, drink specials + a live DJ to celebrate the annual Mardis Gras season.
