Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I'M FEELING THE FAT


Here in Mexico
There are many festivals...
And Lent is no different.
Lent actually begins on Wednesday…
Ash Wednesday for Christians…
But here…
Why wait till Wednesday?
The celebration actually started last Friday...
And continues through today.
In New Orleans it’s Mardi Gras!
Otherwise known as Fat Tuesday…
The time to indulge before fasting.
Here in Mexico, it’s Carnival!
Or ‘carne vale’, meaning farewell meat.



And these celebrations are more family oriented.
The origin of Carnival in Mexico...
Is Roman Catholic, as is Mardi Gras…
But in the Caribbean islands….
Some claim African and Indian influences.
For me?
Growing up Lutheran…
A thumb print of ashes on my forehead.
And giving up candy was all Lent meant.
And the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday? 
Well, was just Tuesday. Nothing more.
Here in Mexico, all of the Caribbean islands…
And many parts of South America
Tuesday is 'the' biggest party of the year!
What about you?
Celebrating Fat Tuesday or Carnival?


Always, Em-Musing




6 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I think it would be amazing to see Carnival live.

Green Monkey said...

The pictures are fabulous! I so want to experience Carnival~

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

The costumes are gorgeous!

Carol Kilgore said...

I've never been to Mardi Gras or Carnival, but it's always looked like fun. I'm glad Carnival in Mexico is more family friendly.

Bethany Elizabeth said...

What beautiful pictures and costumes! :)

Intangible Hearts said...

I tried talking hubs into something naughty like going to play bingo or penny slots at the Indian casino but he overruled my deviant behavior and made me dinner. Oh well, Lent is a nice somber time and it means Easter is coming. Yeah!