When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is 47 days before Easter, the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Tuesday, February 9, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 120 days to go, which is about 17 weeks and 1 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 9 | Tuesday |
A little history
Mardi Gras, French for 'Fat Tuesday,' is the last day of feasting before the fasting season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Its roots lie in medieval European carnival traditions, which French settlers brought to Louisiana in the 1700s.
How people celebrate
New Orleans hosts the most famous celebration in the US, with weeks of parades organized by 'krewes,' colorful floats, beads thrown to crowds and the classic purple, green and gold colors. King cake, a ring-shaped cake with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside, is the signature treat. Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the world's largest version.
Closures and practical notes
Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in several Louisiana parishes and in parts of Alabama, but not nationally. Hotels in New Orleans fill up months ahead, so book early if you plan to attend.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mardi Gras 2027?
Tuesday, February 9, 2027.
What day of the week is Mardi Gras in 2027?
It's a Tuesday (February 9, 2027).
What does Mardi Gras mean?
It is French for 'Fat Tuesday,' the last day to eat rich foods before Lent.