It’s a French cultural tradition. Known for it’s wild and crazy celebrations popular in New Orleans: Mardi Gras (which translates to Fat Tuesday) is a chance for people to let loose before lent, when they give up something they enjoy for forty days.

Following its namesake, Mardi Gras always falls on a Tuesday, usually the Tuesday immediately preceding lent in February.

The French program has decided to make some alterations this year to bring back the celebration this Tuesday night [February 20]. In the past, such events as Cross-Dressing and the dance competition had become too inappropriate for school, so the Mardi Gras celebration was halted last year.

“We also wanted to just take a break and come up with some really good ideas for this year,” said French Club co-president Danelle Carr. “Instead of the usual celebration, we held parties in each of the classes. It was fun and we think they worked out well.”

This year, Mardi Gras will be a little different than it has been in the past. “It’s more cultural-based this year,” said Carr.

Plenty of entertainment will be provided with dancing and French music. Each of the French classes participate in putting on the event: French 1 classes are in charge of bringing copious amounts of food to fit the theme and running the food table, French 2 classes create booths for attendees to play games and perhaps win prizes, and the French 3 and 4 classes are in charge of providing entertainment.

French Club co-president Annie Jasinski said, “We’ll have the booths, food, a talent show, a French trivia competition, and limbo for entertainment this year.”

“The talent show will feature a person performing a yo-yo routine, a person playing a classical French piece on the piano, a group of singers, and a group of dancers,” said Carr.

The festivities will take place on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 in the cafeteria.

Unlike previous years, guests are not permitted to attend. Attendees must be in a French class or a member of the French Club.

If you have any questions, you may contact Madame (also known as Mrs. Arino) in room R-21.

In the meantime, laissez les bons temps rouler! (translation: Let the good times roll!)