From Rome to New Orleans, Mardi Gras is the ultimate carnival. 

In fact, it’s the last day of what is known as Carnival season. This period of revelry begins on Epiphany on January 6 and ends 47 days before Easter with the arrival of Lent, a time when many Catholics will forgo meat or make other temporary sacrifices. In 2023, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21.

Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious foods. Some begin celebrating on the night before Epiphany with a festival known as Twelfth Night. Here’s what you need to know.

The holiday’s roots date back thousands of years to Roman celebrations of