No one really knows where or when the Mardi Gras custom started. Mardi Gras, which is a carnival, is celebrated all over the world. It is most popular in New Orleans and Brazil . Mardi Gras is French for fat Tuesday (mardi = Tuesday and gras = fat). In the middle ages the day before Lent people would sacrifice a fatten ox for a carnival feast. Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is a holiday originating from ancient pagan traditions that were Christianized by the Catholic Church. The first historical evidence of Mardi Gras traditions in America dates to 1699 by French explorers near the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans. The Carnival season begins on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the Twelfth Night feast of the Epiphany. According to Christian beliefs, the Epiphany is the day that the three kings, or Wise Men, visited the Christ Child. People wear costumes and masks. Merrymakers dance and make music in the street. Krewes or organizations build floats and throw beads and other shinny, sparkly items to crowds of people. Mardi Gras party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a Mardi Gras party theme. Party decorations like inflatables, and beads ad to the magic of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras loot bags tucked in basket can be a centerpiece and double as party prizes. Party favors like masks and glow jewelry will create festive energetic spirit of a Mardi Gras Party Theme.