Every year, right before Lent begins, we celebrate Fat Tuesday—a day that feels like a party on the surface but actually carries deep spiritual roots. If you’ve ever wondered what Fat Tuesday really means (beyond beads and king cake), let’s break it down the right way.
The Meaning of Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
Mardi Gras—which literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French—is the final day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the end of the Carnival season and the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter.
Historically, Fat Tuesday was the last chance to indulge before a season of sacrifice. People would use up rich foods like butter, eggs, meat, and sugar because those items were traditionally given up during Lent. So yes, the feasting had a purpose.
And while today it often looks like a giant street festival, especially in places like New Orleans, the spiritual meaning hasn’t changed: preparation.
The Significance of Fat Tuesday Before Lent
Here’s what matters.
Fat Tuesday is about contrast.
It’s the last exhale before discipline.
The last celebration before restraint.
The final “yes” before a season of intentional “no.”
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays). That number reflects the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. So when Christians fast or give something up, it’s not random—it’s symbolic and deeply personal.
Now here’s where I’m stepping in this year.
Related: Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and Lent: From Celebration to Reflection
My Personal Lent Commitment This Year
I’m not into performative religion. If I’m doing something, it’s because I need it.
This year, I’ll be fasting 14 hours daily throughout Lent. Not for weight loss. Not for a challenge. But for discipline. For clarity. For growth.
At the same time, I’m tightening up my “vices” instead of pretending they don’t exist.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Fasting 14 hours every single day
- Eating in moderation when I do eat
- Limiting myself to one soda per day (strictly to avoid a migraine)
- Cutting social media time way down
- Less cursing (big one for me)
- Limiting alcohol to one beer or less this month (I don’t get intoxicated anymore anyway, but still)
- Spending 20 minutes per day reading my Bible
- Drawing closer to God intentionally, not casually
Notice I didn’t say “cut everything out completely.”
Moderation matters. Discipline matters. Awareness matters.
For me, Lent isn’t about punishment. It’s about alignment.
Why Fasting and Moderation Still Matter
In a world where everything is instant—food, dopamine, scrolling, validation—fasting feels almost rebellious.
When you fast, you realize how often you eat out of boredom.
When you limit social media, you notice how often you reach for distraction.
When you cut back on soda, alcohol, or mindless consumption, you confront your habits.
That’s uncomfortable. Good.
Fat Tuesday isn’t just about indulgence. It’s about acknowledging that we all have appetites. Lent is about learning to master them instead of letting them master us.
And honestly? That’s powerful.
Fat Tuesday Traditions Around the World
Although many people associate Mardi Gras with parades and beads, different cultures observe the day in their own way.
In places like Mobile and New Orleans, celebrations include parades, king cake, and large public festivals. In other countries, families gather for meals before entering a more solemn Lenten season.
The point isn’t how loud the party is.
The point is what comes next.
Preparing for Lent With Intention
Instead of treating Fat Tuesday like just another excuse to overdo it, I see it as a reset point.
A checkpoint.
A decision moment.
What am I willing to give up?
What am I willing to change?
What discipline do I need to build?
For me, it’s fasting. Moderation. Less noise. More Scripture. More intentional time with God.
No bull.
No theatrics.
Just work.
And maybe that’s what Fat Tuesday should really be—a reminder that growth requires contrast.
You don’t appreciate discipline without indulgence.
You don’t appreciate clarity without distraction.
You don’t appreciate closeness with God without first recognizing the distance.
This year, I’m choosing alignment.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.