Some events occur every year without a doubt. There is Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July and, of course, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, known for its tradition of extravagance. The annual celebration of Mardi Gras, originally brought to America by the French, has become a common fixture for many people and their way of life — and their bead collections.
Rachel Anderson, sophomore biological engineering major and Gulfport, native, said Mardi Gras is a big event in Gulfport and surrounding areas because that is where the French settled, and it is a French tradition.
“We are just keeping up with tradition,” she said. ‘‘Depending on where you go, it can be a family thing, too.”
But Fat Tuesday and all its glory is no stranger to other areas. Parades are numerous all around the country, especially in the area between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, La.
Katie Kraft, sophomore elementary education major, said when she was young her family would go down to celebrate Fat Tuesday in New Orleans.
“My aunt and uncle had a house on St. Charles Avenue, and I got to sit on a ladder and yell ‘throw me something mister.’ I collected a large amount of beads,” she said.
But Mardi Gras is not just all about the beads and parties; there is an underlying religious motive.
“Mardi Gras is a French Catholic tradition. It is a big party before Lent when people are supposed to be more religious and all,” Anderson said.
Fat Tuesday and all its extravagance ushers in Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season.
Austin Flint, sophomore history major, said Fat Tuesday is important preparation for Lent and for Easter.
“The 40 days that comprise Lent are important because that is when I give up something and replace that void with prayer and any other means as to grow closer to God,” she said.
Because of this reason, some people celebrate Mardi Gras enthusiastically.
Alex Blassingame, senior biological sciences major, said it is another reason to party.
Mardi Gras has become vital to society around the coastal region so much so that schools cancel class.
“My school got Monday and Tuesday off,” Anderson said. ‘‘I believe the private Catholic schools got Ash Wednesday off, as well.”
Louisiana State University also grants its students a reprieve from their scholarly duties with a 2.5-day Mardi Gras holiday.
“People would skip school if we did not have it off,” Anderson said.
But for other people, the celebration is a mystery.
Heather Hill, junior biological engineering major, said she does not connect the start of the Lenten season with the festivities of Mardi Gras except they happen on sequential days.
“I think of Mardi Gras as a celebration of some sort. But what we are celebrating, I do not know. I guess life and living life to the fullest,” she said.
No matter what amount of knowledge or connection people have to Mardi Gras, it is undoubtedly celebrated. From the consumption of Strange Brew Coffeehouse’s king cake frappe to the extravagant parades, Fat Tuesday is a favorite — even if the motive is just for expanding a bead collection.