To celebrate the end of Mardi Gras, which also falls on Tuesday, February 21, 2012... The term "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday.
This Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon, Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival, it is celebrated in many countries around the world–mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations–on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday's most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.
It also happens to be the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Celebrate, but do not get too fat today!