Mardi Gras celebrations were held at Kathleen’s community room and 23 of our people attended.  Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the rich, fatty foods—meat, eggs, milk, lard, cheese—that remained in their homes, in anticipation of several weeks of eating only fish and different types of fasting. The Davenports cooked a turkey to share and others brought the vegetables and trimmings.

A few interesting facts:

• Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of lent.
• These feasts, which first were only meant for Christians, were expanded so that Christians would celebrate with their neighbors and friends (Shrove Tuesday).
• Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”.
• The first North American Mardi Gras took place March 3, 1699, when French explorers landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana
• The traditional colors of Mardi Gras were chosen in 1872 by King Rex. The three colors are purple (representing justice), gold (signifying power), green (symbolizing faith).
• Mardi Gras is celebrated in other parts of the world including Belgium, Canada, Italy, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Australia.

Thanks to Lori and Rollie Koop for lending and setting up Mardi Gras decorations! The room looked awesome! Thanks to Kathleen for providing and organizing the community room again. And thanks to all who brought food to celebrate Mardi Gras Oceanside!