Mardi Gras is an annual festival celebrated in many countries around the world. It is most famously celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it is a major event. Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' and is traditionally celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The term Mardi Gras is often used to refer to the whole period of festivities leading up to Ash Wednesday. The celebration typically involves parades, music, dancing, and other activities.