What Do People Eat During Mardi Gras?

One of the most delicious days of the year is just around the corner: Shrove Tuesday, AKA Pancake Day. But in other parts of the world, the celebration is more commonly known as Mardi Gras. The Christian holiday, which has its roots in North America, is one of the world’s most vibrant and colourful festivals, with big parades taking place in US cities like New Orleans. Food also plays a pivotal role in the festivities: not just pancakes, but jambalaya, beignets, king cakes and more. 

Mardi Gras: History & Food Traditions

Where Did Mardi Gras Come From?

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to Roman times, when festivals were held in anticipation of spring. However, the tradition was adopted by European Christians during the Middle Ages, who used the day to mark the beginning of Lent (the 40-day period before Easter) – just like Shrove Tuesday. Once it reached France, the festival became known as Mardi Gras, which translates as Fat Tuesday, a nod to its feasting roots: historically, people would spend the day before Lent using up ingredients like butter, milk and cream before a period of fasting during Lent (hence why pancakes were often involved).

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When Is It Celebrated?

Mardi Gras is celebrated 47 days before Easter. Like Pancake Day, the date changes year on year depending on when Easter is – this is determined by the moon and lunar cycles, with Easter falling on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on 4 March, ahead of Easter on 20 April 2025.

Which Foods Are Eaten During Mardi Gras?

King Cake

Mardi Gras festivities often include a sweet, brioche-like pastry known as king cake. This isn’t your average cake, though: not only is it covered in decadent green, gold and purple icing, it contains a trinket inside, usually a small, fake baby made from plastic. Some say this represents the baby Jesus, while others view it as a symbol of luck or prosperity – and as legend goes, whoever gets the slice with the baby inside will have good luck for the year ahead.

Feijoada

In Brazil, many people mark Mardi Gras by cooking up a hearty stew, known as feijoada. The rich dish is made with beef, pork and beans, then served with rice and orange slices – often washed down with a Caipirinha cocktail.

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Jambalaya 

This traditional New Orleans dish often features in Mardi Gras celebrations across America. Similar to paella, it’s usually made with rice, vegetables and meat, with two main types: Creole or Cajun. Creole includes tomatoes, while Cajun generally has a more brown colour, as the meat is cooked first and allowed to caramelise. 

Beignets

These French-style pastries are synonymous with New Orleans, and often feature in Mardi Gras parties. Deep-fried and covered in sugar, they’re somewhere between a doughnut and a fritter, best served warm.

Shrimp Creole

Another traditional New Orleans dish, shrimp creole is a one-pot wonder that’s often cooked up for Mardi Gras. The spicy stew is similar to an étouffée, but made with a tomato-based sauce, alongside shrimps, onions, celery and bell peppers.