Short excerpt from America's Library article:

Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans

Every year, the people of New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras, which is French for
"Fat Tuesday." This holiday is the day before Ash Wednesday, and it begins a season
of fasting, called Lent, for many Christians leading up to Easter Sunday.

I. Vocabulary words from this article:

crowd
extravagant
festivity
float
identity
mask
mystery
parade
sponsor
trinket

II. Pre-Reading Questions

What kinds of things would you expect to see at a parade?

Have you ever heard the expression "Fat Tuesday?"

III. Reading Time

Click here to read the article!

Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans
from America's Library (www.americaslibrary.gov)

When you have finished reading, return to this page and answer the questions below.

IV. Post-Reading Questions

1. How often is the celebration of Mardi Gras held?
a. every month
b. once a week
c. every season
d. once a year

2. Mardi Gras is the day before
a. Easter Sunday
b. Ash Wednesday
c. Fat Tuesday
d. Rainy Monday

True or False?

3. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans is a time of merry-making and festivity.

4. The identities of the king and queen are kept secret until the night of the ball (big dance).

Click for Answers.