Fat Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is called “Fat Tuesday” because a good deal of food is consumed on this day. This is due to the fact that the next day starts Lent which is filled with fasting and penance. So Tuesday is the last day to pig-out. Historically, the feasting and partying that happens on Fat Tuesday was a way to get rid of many of the perishable foods that would not be consumed during the forty days of Lent. In particular, meat and dairy products. This is where the word “carnival” from, which means “getting rid of” or “saying good-bye to meat”.Fat Tuesday, translated in French as Mardi Gras, is widely celebrated throughout the world. Most people associate these colorful parties with cities such as New Orleans, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Venice.