Pre-Lenten celebrations around the globe, including Carnival and a rain soaked Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, wrapped up yesterday before the marking of Ash Wednesday today. Historians say the tradition dates back to Roman times, when the newly converted Christians retained vestiges of their pagan festival, “Lupercalia,” as a period of celebration before the penance during the 40 days of Lent.
(via Boston.com)
