What is the Monday before Mardi Gras called
The Monday before Mardi Gras is called Monday Pré Mardi Gras or simply Pré Monday. It is part of the Carnival season in Louisiana, specifically in the Catholic traditions observed in the Gulf Coast region, particularly in the New Orleans area. This day marks the final Monday of the Carnival season before the start of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and is often a quieter, more local celebration compared to the festive parades of the following days.
In this evergreenExplainer, you will learn how this day fits into the Carnival calendar, how the dates are determined each year, and how it is observed by communities along the Gulf Coast. Understanding this day helps clarify the timeline of Carnival celebrations for both locals and visitors.
The Carnival calendar structure
The Carnival season follows the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church and culminates on Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. The season includes several key days, each with distinct names and traditions. While Mardi Gras gets much of the attention, the days leading up to it play an important role in the rhythm of celebrations. The Monday before Mardi Gras is one such day, serving as a bridge between ordinary time and the festive season.
Below is a simplified overview of the main days in the Carnival season, from the Feast of the Epiphany through Mardi Gras:
| Day | Common Name | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Twelfth Night or Epiphany | 12 days after Christmas | Season begins; some local traditions start here |
| 7–9 weeks before Easter | Mardi Gras season | Variable date | Carnival season officially begins after Epiphany |
| Monday before Mardi Gras | Monday Pré Mardi Gras / Pré Monday | 1 day before Mardi Gras | Focus on local gatherings and preparation |
| Tuesday before Ash Wednesday | Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday | Variable date | Peak of Carnival celebrations |
| Day after Mardi Gras | Ash Wednesday | 40 days before Easter | Season ends; marks start of Lent |
Why is it called Monday Pré Mardi Gras
Origins of the name
The term Pré Mardi Gras is French and translates to before Mardi Gras
, referring to the day immediately preceding the main event. In local usage, the Monday is often called Pré Monday. This naming reflects the French Catholic heritage of the region and the way the Carnival season is marked by a series of observances rather than a single event. The day serves both practical and social purposes, giving communities a final opportunity to gather before the larger parades begin on Mardi Gras.
How the date is determined
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. Because Easter is a moveable feast based on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox, the date of Mardi Gras changes each year. Consequently, the Monday before Mardi Gras also shifts annually but always occurs one day before Fat Tuesday. Below is an example table showing recent and upcoming years:
| Year | Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) | Monday Pré Mardi Gras |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 21 | February 20 |
| 2024 | February 13 | February 12 |
| 2025 | March 4 | March 3 |
| 2026 | February 17 | February 16 |
| 2027 | February 9 | February 8 |
How the day is observed
Observance of Monday Pré Mardi Gras varies by community. In some parishes, particularly rural ones, the day may be low-key, with family meals or local gatherings. In urban areas like New Orleans, certain neighborhoods may host smaller events, but large parades typically begin on the following days. Local traditions such as music, food, and informal processions can be part of the day, though it is not a major parade day. This helps distinguish it from Mardi Gras itself and from other Carnival days such as Lundi Gras, which is the Monday before the official parade season in some communities.
Regional variations and related days
Across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, naming and observance can differ. Some communities emphasize Lundi Gras as a distinct celebration, while others use the term Pré Monday more informally. It is important to note that both are part of the lead-up to Mardi Gras but are not the same as Mardi Gras day itself. Local practices are shaped by parish traditions, cultural heritage, and the scale of each community's Carnival events.
Practical tips for visitors and locals
- Check local event calendars, as some parishes may hold special services or small festivals on Pré Monday.
- Understand that major parades usually start on Mardi Gras day or Lundi Gras, not on Pré Monday.
- Prepare for changes in parade schedules and road closures as dates shift slightly each year.
- If attending gatherings, confirm whether a community is observing Lundi Gras or simply Pré Monday.
Key takeaways
- The Monday before Mardi Gras is commonly called Monday Pré Mardi Gras or Pré Monday.
- It is the final Monday of the Carnival season, occurring one day before Fat Tuesday.
- Dates change each year based on the calculation of Easter.
- Observance is typically more subdued than Mardi Gras, focusing on local traditions.
- Understanding this day helps clarify the timeline of the broader Carnival season.