Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mardis Gras


I did not know until I had to check it on Wikipedia for this post, that Carnivals have a religious origin - and more precisely, Catholic. They celebrate the end of Lent (and conveniently take place in winter when there is nothing to do in the fields!). Anyway, in Paris, we stopped observing Lent a long time ago(!) and therefore "Carnavaling" too! However, some people remain nostalgic for this festive time and they are trying to (re)relaunch one in Paris. I went to the latest one that took place on February 14 between Place Gambetta and Hôtel de Ville. It was cute. Small, but cute. We still have a long way to to beat Rio or Venice!

28 comments:

  1. This IS cute, Eric! And let's face it—no one can beat Rio or Venice when it comes to carnevale.

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  2. Easter is the end of Lent. Mardi Gras or Carnival is the beginning of Lent, the "fat Tuesday" before Ash Wednesday that is the official start of Lent. :)

    ~IndianaJules

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  3. I'll bet the church still observes Lent. I went to Palm Sunday services at Notre Dame one year. Wonderful.
    I thought this pic had something to do with the Olympics...

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  4. It's probablty just a bit too cold for the outdoor parade -- that's why it is so small. I see that the Mardis Gras Ball in Paris was a big hit.

    Yes, Wren, the church still observes Lent.

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  5. This makes me think of Monica -- a big shout out to Monica in Rio!

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  6. As much as I find the venetian costumes and masks spectacular, I have to say;

    NOTHING BEATS CARNIVAL IN RIO!!!!

    (she writes as she listens to the sound of the samba drums outside her window, all over the streets of Rio de Janeiro.....)

    ;))

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  7. Lois!!!!
    A big shout right back at you straight from Rio!!!!

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  8. Mardi Gras in Sydney means something a little different. I would love to see Carnival in Rio or Venice - just once in my life.

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  9. Just want to echo what "IndianaJules" said -- Mardi Gras is fat Tuesday because it's the last day you can pig out on snacks and goodies before Lent, which is traditionally a time for fasting but is now often a time to give up one thing for the 46ish days before Easter. Some people give up Facebook or blogging -- I hope you don't!

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  10. I confirm Indiana Jules and RobinCamille ! Lent starts tomorrow, Mercredi des Cendres (Ash Wednesday ?) and finishes 40 days later on Palm Sunday. Then follows the Semaine Sainte (Holy week ?) which goes to Easter.
    Mardi Gras is "gras" because it's the last day before a long period of fast.

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  11. Yes, people all over the world observe Lent by selecting something meaningful to forego. My favorite story of how creative people can be when they're feeling conflicted about that is of a Catholic friend who told me he was giving up Tequila shots on Tuesdays. Still makes me smile! : )

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  12. Oooh, Monica -- samba drums outside your window in Rio! I can hear the sounds, see the color, feel the windows shaking! Someday..... Hope you'll still be living near the Sugarloaf when I find my way there!

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  13. Come on over to New Orleans Louisiana...in USA...today is Fat Tuesday....and New Orleans loves visitors...plan a trip to my beloved city... we would love to have ya'll..... http://thespellofneworleans.blogspot.com
    We know how to have a good time and we love Paris!!!

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  14. I think all of us Francophiles hope Paris will rival the best (Rio---hi Monica!!!) one day!!!!

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  15. Carrie, I'm with your friend! Definitely ;-)
    2 years ago, I decided to give up my "traditional" Saturday evening Single Malt(s).... Well, that was not so easy ;-))

    Lent starts tomorrow, and I've still not decided what will be my effort this year...
    ;-))

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  16. In the UK the last day before Lent, is called 'Shrove Tuesday' or more popularly 'Pancake Day'

    'Shrove'from the old word 'shrive' meaning 'to confess' (one's sins) and gain absolution before Lent.So for all you sinners out there-it's not too late!

    'Pancake' because its ingredients were forbidden to be eaten during Lent. So it was a last chance to indulge oneself. yum yum.

    Although it has lost its religious significance for many people, the tradition of making and eating pancakes on this day is still very popular. In fact, my daughter is hosting a pancake evening for some friends this very evening.

    Another tradition is the Pancake Race which is a race where you run while simultaneously tossing a pancake in a frying pan. Enough said.

    PS- Thib, giving up malt whisky?
    Now that's what I call sinful!

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  17. Drummond, Thanks for all these details about the UK "Mardi Gras"!!

    Re. Giving up malt whisky, LOL! I know it's difficult!! It's why it's an effort during Lent ;-)
    And after these 6 weeks, the first glass, on Easter Sunday, is REALLY good ;-)

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  18. Drummond, to give you the real story: our priest (who is also a friend) is also a true lover of single malt!!!! So when I told him about this "lent effort", he answered that lent stops on Sundays, so I could have one glass every sunday ....provided he could have one with me ;-))

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  19. Carrie come whenever you want!!!!

    Hi PHX!!

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  20. Thib - Sounds like my kind of priest!

    For many years each Christmas, my wife would discreetly give a present of a bottle of whisky to one of the old priests, who was known to enjoy a glass or two.
    -Everyone needs a little guilty pleasure now and then!

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  21. As discovered by etymological researchers, the word 'carnival' derives from 'carnal' and 'carniverous'. A carnival is a celebration of carnal enjoyment, like dionysian celebrations of ancient Greece and bacchanalian events of ancient Rome. Great feasts of roast beasts were involved along with copious quantities of wine. The word has evolved over time, of course, but the drunken enjoyment of flesh remains its primary ingredient. (Thank you, Doctor Science)

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  22. We are saving our pennies for Carnival 2011 in Rio....my wife is already counting the days and I cannot wait for her to show me around her home country....

    I too thought this was an Olympics based photo at first glance!


    Sean

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  23. Don't forget the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., once a French bastion in the New World! It's just as noisy as Rio!

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  24. I'm glad this photo inspired you so funny considerations :) You're in a good shape Thib and Drummond aren't you?
    Great to see that. Well I did not have pancakes tonight but I ate so much good food and wine that I can say yes that's a sinful evening before a Lent austerity program! In fact, it is the only way I've found to relax after a hard day at work !! And that works during some hours. I would love to share that with you Drummond! Like Thib priest glass of whisky, I'd agree to share my sins at anytime !! :)

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  25. Fun photo! Mardis Gras here in the US is synonymous with New Orleans' famous celebration, but I would love to experience it in Rio with Monica. We had Brazilian neighbors who were samba dancers/drummers and the joy in their group was amazing! Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a season of contemplation and alms giving to the poor that leads to Easter. Some people give up something during this time and set the money aside that they would have used for its purchase to give to those in need. Some observant families keep a bowl or jar on the dinner table and let the children put the money the family would have spent that day for Starbucks drinks or desert or meat in the "alms" bowl, and at the end of Lent give the money the family has saved to charitable and relief organizations. A simple expression of sacrificing something for others' benefit and keeping the needs of the poor close to heart.

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