The celebration of Mardi Gras begins at Epiphany and ends the Tuesday before Lent, hence the meaning "fat Tuesday." The day is said to be a the last day to get your kicks in before a favored item is given up for Lent. The event is basically a long parade, which on the last day (Mardi Gras) participants are invited to wear masks, drink excessively and eat large amounts of food. The event is celebrated throughout the states, and even scattered around the globe, but the center of celebration is New Orleans, Louisiana.