Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday 2016
FEBRUARY 10, 2016
Pre-Lenten Mardi Gras celebrations wrapped up yesterday before the marking of Ash Wednesday today. Historians say the tradition dates back to Roman times, when the newly converted Christians retained vestiges of their pagan festival, “Lupercalia,” as a period of celebration before the penance during the 40 days of Lent. (28 photos total)