Every year, varying between February and March, the galore of partying and multi-colored beads can be seen to the eyes of any Mardi Gras goer. The purple, gold and green color scheme is an obvious declaration that the everlasting celebration of Mardi Gras has begun.

Mardi Gras occurs between the months of February and March, with the date changing every year. This year the party begins on February 9, and so does the throwing of beads, excessive alcohol consumption, rowdy crowds and King cake.

“I’m from Louisiana, so I know a Mardi Gras party when I see one. They can get so crazy but they’re always really fun. I haven’t gone back in a few years but every year, at this time, I miss it so much,” senior Maddie Muncie said.

The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, and from then on, the party has not stopped. Louisiana is the only state in the United States that has Mardi Gras as the official holiday, but elaborate carnivals and festivals pop up all over the country. Alabama, Mississippi and Texas are known for their extravagant Mardi Gras season.

“My favorite part of Mardi Gras has to be the cake. The King cake is so good and my mom makes it herself. We stay here during Mardi Gras to be with family and we always have so much fun in Galveston where they hold the big festival,” sophomore Eden Howard said.

Mardi Gras is recognized as a Christian holiday. This celebration is the last “hoorah” before the Christian tradition of giving up a favorite thing during Lent, like chocolate or too much TV. Ash Wednesday comes right after Mardi Gras, which is the starting point of the traditional penance, and the reparation doesn’t end until Easter Sunday. It doesn’t matter what religion anyone belongs to, there is always room for more participants in Mardi Gras.

“My family loves to celebrate Mardi Gras and we have since I was a little kid,” junior Elizabeth Nguyen said. “We don’t go to New Orleans to celebrate, like everyone else does, but we still recognize the holiday at home. Most people don’t actually know what Mardi Gras is; they just use it as an excuse to party. But it doesn’t really matter how much you know, it’s just really fun.”