Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras is February 5th
Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Q:A Reader Ask’s, What’s the deal with Mardi Gras?
A: Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the final day of Carnival, but incorrectly Mardi Gras has come to include the weeks proceeding Fat Tuesday as well. The most famous US Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans with many others held around Louisiana, the Gulf States, Europe and Latin America with huge celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Venice, Italy.
The New Orleans celebration date from the early 1700’s when the city as the capital of French North America. Skirting the law for many years, Mardi Gras was made a state holiday by Louisiana in 1875. Each year since organizations known as “Krewes” put on parades through the streets of New Orleans in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Each parade is unique an one of those “one in lifetime experiences”. If you haven’t been to the French Quarter in February, put it on the calendar.
Everything you need to know. Mardi Gras 101


This is an often asked question with a simple answer.
This has become quite an issue, but I don’t see it. Mostly I see it as a benefit for those who seek the nutritional information for the liquor they drink. We get many questions here about the calories, carbs and make up of all sorts of spirits, so why not list this info on the label? Make consumers who care happy, the one who don’t care won’t even notice the change.
Going a cruise and wondering if you can sneak a bottle of Vodka on board. Well think again. All of the major cruise lines have a “No Sneaking Booze on Board” policy. Many will allow you to bring a few bottles aboard that you may enjoy with dinner (with a corkage fee of $10 - $25). Only Norwegian Coastal Voyages will let you bring whatever you want on board as long as you consume it in your cabin. The majority also hold your duty free purchases until the last night of the cruise.