Today is Fat Tuesday, and tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, begins the Catholic season of Lent. It's a time of "giving up" things, and eating fish on Fridays. I was always taught that you can't eat beef or chicken on Fridays during Lent, but I never really knew why...
Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a day of celebration, enjoying rich foods, drink and overindulgence all leading up to Ash Wednesday where folks usually fast for the Lenten season.